Phare, the Cambodian Circus Joins the Peace Museum Gala!

Oct 7, 2016 | Events

Phare, the Cambodian Circus, is joining the Cambodia Peace Museum Masquerade Gala and Auction
with an exciting aerial silks acrobatic display and musical performance. As two Cambodian organizations that share a focus on transforming how people express and talk about their pasts, and bringing energy to discussions on a positive future for Cambodia, we are very happy to have Phare as a partner for the Cambodia Peace Museum project.

We met up with some of the performers from Phare to get their thoughts on the Peace Museum Project.

Why did you decide to get involved with the Peace Museum Gala evening?

Phare Ponleu Selpak and Phare, The Cambodian Circus have a long history (over 20 years!) of examining past conflict and trauma through drawing, painting, dance, theater, music and circus. We believe that healing and rebuilding stability in a community happens in many ways. While we do it through art, a museum is another innovative approach to address these issues and to showcase the great work being done by so many people and organizations in Cambodia. We’re thrilled to be involved in the gala event and to share our unique approach to building peace in this country.


What are your hopes for peace in Cambodia?

We hope that Cambodians continue to value peace and stability. And we hope to continue to be part of that, creating peace through art by revitalizing the arts sector and creating opportunities for Cambodian artists both here and abroad.


What are your thoughts on the challenges facing young people today?

The effects of conflict are felt by young people in Cambodia today, but they don’t always know or understand their history. This creates a lot of confusion. Things like creating educational tools about Cambodian history, creating space for inter-generational dialogue about war, and showing young people the work it takes to build and maintain peace are very valuable.


Why do you think that we need a Peace Museum in Cambodia?

It creates a space to show the many ways Cambodians have rebuilt peace. There’s so much talk about war and the effects of war, but now is the time to focus on the great work that has been done to overcome conflict and create stability, heal, and revitalize the country. It’s the perfect time for a museum like this.


How do you think the Peace Museum will help young Cambodians and the future generation?

Many young Cambodians aren’t aware of the root causes of war and the work that has been done to over come conflict. This museum can be a place for them to learn about their history in an interactive and dynamic way. Hopefully it will also inspire young Cambodians to be involved in peacemaking activities, in their many different forms, including the arts.

In addition to joining the Gala as performers, Phare, the Cambodia Circus is contributing a pair of tickets to one of their great performances under the big top in Siem Reap.


Phare Logo Gala 2016

Cambodia’s Journey: Told Through Stained Glass

Inspired by the museum’s commitment to celebrating Cambodia’s journey to peace, Australian artists Gerry Cummins and Jill Stehn have created a series of stained-glass windows that they are generously donating to the museum. Gerry says his inspiration to create the...

A Night to Remember!

What an incredible evening! The Lotus Gala was a sublime evening of great music, fun and community. For those of us at the Cambodia Peace Museum team, the evening was also a humbling and amazing reflection of our partners and community who accompany our efforts to...

Celebrating the Music and Arts of Cambodia

The ChubMet Festival showcases the importance of music and arts as ways for people to share their experiences, their hopes for the future, and celebrate resilience in Cambodia. Siem Reap’s second annual ChubMet (Friendship Festival) kicked off on Friday night in...

RESILIENCE: Let’s Tell the Story of How Cambodia Stood Up

RESILIENCE tells the story of, how Cambodia stood up and how Cambodia continues to stand. The RESILIENCE Exhibition opened in Phnom Penh on December 15 to a great mixed crowd of dignitaries, universities and students, peacebuilders, and the arts community. CPCS...