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 50 years ago.

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 consistent funding, alongside efforts to ensure that traditional arts remain relevant to younger generations.

In 2012, the organisation piloted a social enterprise initiative that enabled students to perform regularly for audiences, generating income to support their traditional performing arts classes. 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 sufficient ticket sales to achieve profitability.

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, traditional Khmer opera and classical music ensembles
• 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.

The project also created the Cambodian Living Arts Tours, a guided visit to music dance and puppetry classes so that visitors can learn more the organisation’s master-student programmes.