Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) is pleased to announce that it has received Cambodian Decorations of Honor, from His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath NORODOM Sihamoni, King of Cambodia.
These prestigious honors have been bestowed upon 42 dedicated individuals on the occasion of CLA’s 25th anniversary.
Cambodian Living Arts
Cambodian Living Arts' mission is to be a catalyst in a vibrant arts sector. We envision a thriving future for Cambodia, where arts and culture play an essential role. Our work is founded on the belief that the arts are at the heart of every vital society.
Founded as a grassroots initiative in 1998, inspired by Arn Chorn-Pond and supported by a group of dedicated visionaries, its goal being to revive, preserve, and promote Cambodia's rich yet endangered artistic heritage. For over two decades, we have consistently provided training and support to a new generation of artists, producing and presenting significant artistic works both locally and internationally, and integrating arts and culture programs into public schools. Today, our focus is on nurturing artists whose work resonates with contemporary Cambodian society. We provide them with resources, tools, and space to create work that encourages reflection on local and global issues impacting the Cambodian people through grant-making.
Currently under the auspices of Living Arts International, Cambodian Living Arts and its sister organization Mekong Cultural Hub have expanded their efforts of working with young people in post conflict societies, to the countries of the Greater Mekong Region and through our Living Arts International transnational programs, to the Global South. Since 2019 His Majesty has been the Distinguished Patron of CLA.
Awarding of Cambodian Decorations of Honor
On May 11, 2024, CLA had the privilege of receiving a Royal Audience from His Majesty at Preah Reach Damnak Serey Mongkul, Royal Palace. This marked the 25th Anniversary of CLA and was an opportunity for His Majesty to convey his appreciation through the presentation of Special Awards. His Majesty further elevated this gesture by offering the Cambodian Decorations of Honor, demonstrating his and the Cambodian people's deep appreciation. In recognition of CLA’s living masters and individuals who have significantly contributed, through their personal involvement, to CLA’s past and continued success, the following
Cambodian Recognitions of Honor have been conveyed:
Cambodian citizens were conferred the Royal Order of Monisaraphon, at the Knight Grand Cross level. This is the highest level of award for this honor, which is conferred to Cambodian Citizens. It is awarded for accomplishment and outstanding support in the fields of education, arts, science, literacy or social works.
Non-Cambodian citizens were conferred the Royal Order of Sahametrei, at the Grand Cross level. This is the highest level of award for this honor and is conferred primarily on foreigners who have rendered distinguished services to the King and the people of Cambodia.
The recognition from His Majesty acknowledges CLA’s years of effort and contribution to the arts sector. This honor not only underlines the organization's impact on preserving and promoting Cambodian arts, but also reinforces its credibility to those who have associated with CLA over the past 25 years.
During the Royal Audience, His Majesty Stated, “It is with my enormous pleasure to extend my warmest congratulations to Most Venerable Samdech, Doctor Helfer, Master Artists, Ladies and Gentlemen, who have contributed to Cambodian art and culture over the past 25 years, through their commitment and association with Cambodian Living Arts”.
“Whether deceased or still alive, as well as to all the dedicated supporters present here and absent. They have devoted their physical, mental, and intellectual talents, tirelessly preserving the cultural arts passed down by our Khmer ancestors and innovating new forms of cultural expression, all in the pursuit of a more prosperous Cambodia for future generations.”
“Arts and culture embody the spirit of our nation, representing an invaluable heritage. Arts and culture promote a sense of national conscience, upholding our customs, traditions, and national identity, under the leadership of the Royal Government of Cambodia”.
“I would like to encourage organizations, associations and individuals to join hands together in preserving, protecting, and nurturing all forms of Cambodian cultural arts for the benefit of future generations and the overall progress of our society”.
“On November 22nd, 2019, with great pride and the deepest of feelings, I would like to recall my attendance in the Gala Performance of “Bangsokol”, in Chaktomuk Conference Hall, Phnom Penh, which reflected a painful scene from the time of the war that destroyed all social, economic and national infrastructures, including arts, culture and religion, constituting the darkest era in our history, the achievement of understanding and telling this story of our people, by our people, was a moment I will always remember and cherish.”
Dr Richard Helfer, Advisor to His Majesty the King and Chair of CLA stated, “Personally and as Chair of Cambodian Living Arts, I wish to offer our highest honor and respect to His Majesty and Her Majesty the Queen Mother for their continued strong support of Cambodian Living Arts and the special recognition of the individuals honored today”.
CLA is profoundly grateful to His Majesty for his unwavering support and recognition which has deeply moved us and filled our hearts with immense honor and pride. This moment will forever be a part of our shared history and legacy.