In a quiet corner of Bak Prea village, nestled within the remote reaches of Cambodia's Ek Phnom district in Battambang province, a young student leans intently over her sketchpad. Her pencil glides with purpose, translating the world around her into lines and shapes on paper. 

The scene, both simple and profound, is a testament to the power of art – a power that has found its way to this rural area through the visionary efforts of Poy Chhunly, founder of Chumnor Art and the driving force behind the "Art Journey to Remote Areas" programme.

Chhunly, a Battambang-born artist with a deep commitment to nurturing creativity among underprivileged communities, recognised early on the glaring lack of access to art education in the country’s rural regions. 

His programme provides a valuable opportunity, bringing art supplies, lessons and inspiration directly to children who might otherwise never have the chance to explore their artistic potential.

More than just a series of art classes, the effort is a holistic initiative designed to foster creativity, critical thinking and self-expression. 

For Chhunly, these skills are essential tools for empowerment, enabling the younger generation to envision and contribute to a brighter future for their communities. 

The programme is currently in its second session in the village, marking the seventh held in the province since its inception in January. 

This ongoing effort reflects the project's broader goals of reaching remote communities with limited access to art education. 

“The second session in Bak Prea village focuses on teaching the art of painting to children, using materials provided by art enthusiasts from Battambang and Phnom Penh,” said Chhunly. 

During the first session, children were introduced to the basics of painting, with lessons centred around everyday objects familiar to their rural lives.

On September 1, two special activities took place, led by volunteer instructors, including a team specialising in water-based techniques. 

“We taught the children how to mix colours, clean their brushes and care for their tools,” Chhunly shared. “Afterward, they were encouraged to create their own paintings, with the entire day dedicated to artistic exploration.”

The children's works were then carefully assessed to identify those who demonstrated the most skill, patience and creativity. 

The top performers were awarded prizes, including drawing books, crayon sets and pencil cases – an acknowledgment of their budding talent and a motivator for their continued artistic journey.

Chhunly's decision to bring the programme to Bak Prea was driven by the area's remoteness and the children's limited opportunities to engage in art. 

“We wanted to provide these children with the chance to explore art, a discipline they might not otherwise encounter," he told The Post. 

The challenges of reaching the village, particularly during the rainy season when roads become impassable, underscored the importance of bringing the class directly to the community.

The programme targets four districts in the province: Ek Phnom in the west, Thmor Koul in the south, and Banan and Moung Russey in the east. 

In its first year, the initiative reached 500 children and youth. Of these, 100 have shown strong talent, while others continue to develop their skills.

Chhunly's commitment to fostering artistic skill in Cambodia extends beyond this programme. A graduate of a film school in France, he returned to Cambodia in 2014, bringing with him a passion for animation and filmmaking. 

His short-animated film "Revive" won first prize at the 2007 Cambofest Film Festival and was showcased internationally. 

Chhunly has also served as an animation teacher at Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) and directed the 1000 Hands Animation Studio.

In 2018, he launched Poy Studio, with dreams of creating independent films and eventually opening a film school in the province.