PRESS RELEASES
Join us in supporting the artistic and vocational education of Cambodian youth,
as well as social services for children and communities in need
February 11, 2021
Rosewood Phnom Penh will be hosting a charity dinner to support Phare Ponleu Selpak, one of Cambodia’s most influential grassroots arts and vocational training centers. Taking place on February 27, 2021 at Salon 1 on the hotel’s 36th floor, the fundraising event offers an evening of extraordinary experiences: a cocktail reception, four-course gourmet dinner with wine pairings, live circus performances by Phare’s creative young talent, and a charity auction featuring unique local art pieces and luxury travel experiences.
Capping off the night, Rosewood Phnom Penh will hold a coveted lucky draw, surprising one fortunate guest with a night’s stay in the hotel’s ultra-exclusive Norodom House, which sets the benchmark for luxury in Cambodia. All event proceeds, from ticket sales to the charity auction, will directly benefit Phare Ponleu Selpak’s arts classes and educational and social support programs.
Phare Ponleu Selpak – which translates to “The Brightness of the Arts” in Khmer – may be best known for its captivating circus performances. These tell quintessentially Cambodian stories through theater, music, dance, and modern acrobatics. But the school provides much more than excellent entertainment. Based in Battambang, Phare was established in 1994 by nine survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime, upon returning home after spending several years in a refugee camp.
At the onset, the not-for-profit school focused on free public education and art lessons. Over time, Phare expanded to include theatre, dance, music, and circus arts, equipping students and graduates with the skills necessary to escape poverty and earn a living. Today, Phare offers arts-based kindergarten programs, income subsidies for Cambodia’s poorest families, vocational training, visual and applied arts classes, and more. The school is home to over 1,200 students, half of whom attend the Performing and Visual Art Schools, while the other half attend the school’s general education program.
“Phare Ponleu Selpak does incredible work in the community, providing exceptional arts and performance programs for young students,” says Michael Parker, managing director of Rosewood Phnom Penh. “At Rosewood, we believe learning is the foundation for growth and opportunities, and we are proud to support an organization that prioritizes education, skills training, and social support for the most vulnerable Cambodians.”
“Over the years, we reached 60% financial self-sustainability through our circus ticket sales,” says Osman Khawaja, executive director of Phare Ponleu Selpak. “Unfortunately, COVID-19 shut down our shows and left us with a dramatic shortfall since March 2020. We have also been multiplying emergency aid distributions in our community to those severely hit by the current economic crisis. Today is about the survival of this unique and iconic arts organization in Cambodia. Thanks to Rosewood Phnom Penh’s great solidarity initiative, we will be able to continue our essential mission of educating the next generation of Cambodian creatives while preserving Cambodian culture and arts.”
The Phare Ponleu Selpak Charity Dinner will be held on February 27, 2021 at Salon 1, located on the hotel’s 36th floor.
Click here to purchase a ticket.
