Sa Sa Art Projects(2011~2024)(1) has launched Cambodian Contemporary Visual Artists (CCVA), an online platform that brings visibility to contemporary Cambodian visual artists. The project, made up of a small team of artists, arts managers, and creatives based in Cambodia, recognises a need to build bridges between different generations of artists and increase their exposure to audiences near and far.
They created a platform to enable a more connected arts community, where artists can benefit and grow through knowledge of each other’s work. Their aim is that by creating this platform they can work towards meaningful connections, stronger networks, and opportunities that will support the long-term development of contemporary Cambodian visual art.
"We created this platform to enable a more connected arts community, where artists can benefit and grow through knowledge of each others’ work and existence. We believe this is a step toward meaningful connections, stronger networks, and opportunities that will support the long-term development of contemporary Cambodian visual art. In doing so, we are building meaningful connections, stronger networks, and opportunities that will support the long-term development of contemporary Cambodian visual art. "
The website, available in both Khmer and English, is designed to be a knowledge hub and to bridge the gaps. It allows researchers, curators, art collectors, and anyone interested in learning more about contemporary Cambodian art an entry point into the work of artists active in today’s visual arts community.
Sa Sa Art Projects is an artist-run initiative dedicated to experimental and critical contemporary art practices. It was founded in 2010 by the arts collective Stiev Selapak and operated from a historic and vibrant apartment complex known as the White Building in Phnom Penh until 2017, when the building was demolished for new development.
At its new location, Sa Sa Art Projects has shifted toward a stronger engagement with Cambodian young artists and art graduates while continuing to build a deeper dialogue with artists within Asia through its creative education programs, exhibitions, its signature Pisaot artist residency, and other collaborative projects. With its activities, Sa Sa Art Projects addresses Cambodia’s lack of infrastructure for contemporary art education and engagement. By not being bound to a rigid organizational structure, Sa Sa Art Projects is able to evolve organically and adapt to the changing context and needs of the communities it works with. (Documenta)
(1) “Founded with the aim of filling the gap in contemporary art ecology in Cambodia, the lack of art spaces run by Cambodians, art education and mode of art engagement with the public, we developed and ran art classes, art residencies, exhibitions, festivals, and other special collaborative projects with visual artists and other creative practitioners in Cambodia and beyond, As practicing artists, we co-founded Sa Sa Art Projects and saw Sa Sa as a form of art itself, how collectively we could develop a mechanism to support the art scene and foster a healthier ecology, including a new generation of critical contemporary artists, while making connections with the world. After 14 years, we are incredibly proud to see many artists who came through our programmes have now moved on in their respective practices, and actively engaged in exhibitions, residencies, awards and projects in Cambodia, regionally and internationally.” (director and co-founder, Lyno Vuth. On April 26, 2024)
Further Reading
A Presentation by Vuth Lyno: Sa Sa Art Projects(March 2, 2024 @Asia Art Archive in America)