The school was founded in a site formerly used by a Khmer Rouge-era refugee camp.
The curriculum uses art therapy techniques to help students process historical and personal trauma.
The organization has grown from a small drawing class to an accredited school serving over 1,000 students annually.
The circus program is internationally recognized for its unique style that blends traditional Khmer folklore with contemporary acrobatics.
Visual arts students produce large-scale paintings and graphic novels that are often exhibited within the campus gallery.
The school runs a 'Phare Ponleu Selpak Association' to support graduates in securing employment within the creative industries.
Phare Ponleu Selpak is a multidisciplinary arts school and social enterprise located in Battambang, Cambodia, founded in 1994 by nine former refugees. The campus serves as a center for professional training in circus arts, visual arts, music, and performing arts. It functions as a non-profit organization providing free arts education to underprivileged youth from the local community. The site houses a professional circus tent where students and professional performers stage regular productions. Visitors can explore the art gallery, browse the visual arts studios, and observe student training sessions. The organization is closely linked to the Phare The Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap, which serves as a professional employment outlet for graduates.
The exterior of the iconic red-and-white striped circus tent.
Check the performance calendar in advance, as shows are not held every day.
Visit the campus gallery to purchase original student artwork, which directly supports the school's funding.
Keep a respectful distance during student practice sessions to avoid interrupting their training.
Do not attempt to photograph students in classrooms without prior permission from school staff.
Performances are seasonal and do not run daily; check the website for specific show dates.
Dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees; remove shoes before entering specific gallery or studio spaces.
