Last Wednesday saw the official inauguration of Coral Kingdom with His Excellency Say Sam Al, Minister of Lands, Planning and Construction, and the Governor of Kep Province, H.E. Som Piseth.
ART for Kep is an initiative led by the Knai Bang Chatt team, which aims to transform the coastal town of Kep into a cultural centre through the power of art. The project aims to promote cultural tourism, support local Cambodian artists and raise awareness of environmental conservation.
The first major installation in the series is the monumental sculpture Coral Kingdom, a beautiful 5.7 metre high sandstone sculpture designed by well-known artist Sothea Thang, which celebrates the natural beauty of Kep's coastline and highlights the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.
The Coral Kingdom also symbolises unity, bringing together local, provincial and national stakeholders in a common effort to highlight the environmental and artistic importance of the region. The architectural design was developed by Bloom Architects, and the sculpture came to life through the meticulous work of builder Mr Vuth Pong Saravuth, following extensive engineering testing.
“This sculpture is more than just a work of art; it is a powerful symbol of the delicate balance between nature and human creativity,” explains Sothea Thang;
“It's a call to action for locals and visitors to get involved and protect our oceans for future generations”
Coral Kingdom is the first stage of the ART for Kep initiative, which aims to inspire creativity, educate the public and draw international attention to the region's rich cultural and environmental heritage. By integrating art and conservation, the project aims to instil a sense of pride in the community and promote sustainable development through artistic expression.
A vision and a cultural platform for the future
According to Jef Moons, CEO of Kai Bang Chatt, the launch of Coral Kingdom marks the beginning of a series of artworks planned for the region. ART for Kep aims to transform the area into a cultural hub, inviting artists from a variety of disciplines to contribute to the artistic landscape. In addition to the visual arts, the initiative aims to inspire creative expression through music, dance, theatre, fashion and more.
“We're looking at events and festivals that celebrate these art forms, as well as the possibility of sport being recognised as an artistic activity in its own right. The importance of art in public spaces,” he explains.
“Art in public spaces has a profound impact on communities because it gives people the opportunity to express themselves freely and engage with the world around them. It is a powerful tool for communicating emotions, ideas and cultural values. Whether a work of art is perceived as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, it encourages dialogue and reflection, enriches our culture and sparks conversations that challenge societal norms”.
According to Jef Moons, public art can also attract tourism, educate the public, revitalise local areas and support the growth of the local arts community. It makes spaces more alive, more accessible and more meaningful for everyone.
The ultimate goal: to inspire cultural awareness and appreciation
ART for Kep's ultimate goal is to showcase the beauty and rich cultural heritage of Cambodia, motivating and educating the local community while providing unforgettable experiences for tourists. As Cambodia moves towards a higher income economy by 2030, it is essential to create cultural and educational links that inspire creativity and innovation in locals and visitors alike. The Coral Kingdom sculpture is just the first step in this transformative journey.
“Through public art, we hope to cultivate a sense of creativity and cultural appreciation in younger generations, while attracting international visitors and promoting environmental awareness. This initiative not only showcases the beauty of our coastal region, but also provides a platform for artistic expression and sustainable development,” says Jef Moons.
“ART for Kep is a project that aims to inspire, educate and bring people together, creating a lasting impact for the local community and international visitors.
The aim is to cultivate creativity and cultural appreciation in younger generations while attracting visitors from all over the world,” he concludes.
An exciting project is emerging on the horizon: the Kep Ocean Gallery, a potential underwater museum in partnership with Marine Conservation Cambodia.
This museum will feature contemporary 3D-printed sculptures and structures inspired by Cambodia's marine life and cultural heritage. These installations will be placed underwater to help restore coral and support marine biodiversity. More information on this project will be available in 2025.
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