Cambodia has one of the richest traditions of performing arts in Asean, yet decades of conflict, poverty and underdevelopment have dramatically reduced the number of active performers compared to the thriving cultural scene of the past.

Cambodian Living Arts works to preserve this cultural heritage by engaging master artists to train young performers, particularly youths from underprivileged backgrounds. However, sustaining the master–student training programmes requires reliable funding and opportunities for students to develop their skills professionally.

In 2012, the organisation launched a social enterprise initiative that allowed students to perform regularly for audiences, generating income to support their arts education. Weekly shows were staged at the National Museum of Cambodia to introduce visitors to Khmer cultural traditions.

While the performances attracted interest, the limited show repertoire and frequency made it difficult to generate enough ticket sales to sustain the programme.

Cambodian Living Arts expanded its performing arts programme into Plae Pakaa, a rotating cultural performance series designed to attract audiences while sustaining traditional arts training.

With support from AirAsia Foundation, the weekly performances were expanded into Plae Pakaa—meaning “Fruitful”—a series of rotating productions featuring three distinct performances. These include the Children of Bassac folk dance troupe, the Mak Therng Yike (Khmer Opera) performance, and Passage of Life, a theatrical presentation of Khmer rituals accompanied by traditional music.

The expanded programme increased both the diversity and frequency of performances, allowing audiences to experience a broader range of Cambodia’s cultural traditions.

During the peak travel season, performances run six days a week, enabling the three troupes to perform twice weekly. In lower travel seasons, the shows continue twice a week while the performers engage in outreach programmes at schools and villages throughout Cambodia.

AirAsia Foundation’s grant supported the expansion of the Plae Pakaa performances while strengthening training opportunities for young artists.

• Provide one year of training and capacity-building classes for 100 students in classical dance, folk dance, Khmer opera and traditional music
• Construct a permanent stage at the National Museum of Cambodia to host the performances

The expanded programme helped the Plae Pakaa performances break even by the end of 2014, allowing Cambodian Living Arts to continue developing new troupes and strengthening its arts education programmes.