Cambodia & Culture: The city of Battambang moves to the beat of the S'Art 2025 urban art festival

Next November, the streets of Battambang will come alive with creativity, color, and cultural celebrations during the fourth edition of the S'Art urban art festival, organized by Phare Ponleu Selpak and the TUI Care Foundation.

From November 3 to 8, 2025, the city will be transformed into a lively open-air gallery, welcoming artists and visitors from around the world to celebrate this year's inspiring theme: “Colorful Cultures.”

Supported by the TUI Care Foundation, in partnership with Phare Creative Studio and Murals for Cambodia, the festival will offer an immersive program featuring large-scale murals, a mural painting competition, nightly performances, exhibitions, hands-on workshops, artist talks, and the highly anticipated Art Parade through the historic city of Battambang. It will bring together a dynamic mix of Cambodian and international creatives who will share their stories, express their cultural identities, and collaborate on meaningful artistic projects.

As an extension of TUI's global Colourful Cultures program, Colourful Cultures celebrates the richness of Cambodia's artistic landscape while embracing the diversity of cultures from around the world. Artists from across Southeast Asia and beyond will gather in Battambang, not only to discover Cambodia's vibrant creative spirit, but also to share their own cultural narratives through art.

More than just an art festival, S'Art is a platform for social connection and lasting impact. It promotes cultural exchange, strengthens Battambang's creative culture, and supports sustainable tourism. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city's thriving art scene, meet artists, and discover how urban art brings communities together and transforms public spaces.

True to its mission of empowerment through the arts, Phare Ponleu Selpak continues to support young Cambodian talent through education and access to opportunities. To support this mission, the TUI Care Foundation has strengthened its commitment by offering scholarships to 25 Phare Ponleu Selpak students and supporting the modernization of our arts training space. These scholarships help young Cambodians pursue professional training in the visual arts, music, dance, and theater.

“We are thrilled to launch the S'Art urban art festival with the incredible support of the TUI Care Foundation and our partners,” said Osman, Executive Director of Phare Ponleu Selpak.

“This festival is more than just an artistic event: it is a celebration of community, a platform to nurture talent and forge connections, and a dynamic showcase of Cambodia's rich cultural heritage. Beyond community involvement in the arts, the arts festivals organized by Phare support the development of Battambang as a unique cultural tourist destination.”

Photographs of the former editions here

Mark your calendars and join us in November in Battambang for an unforgettable celebration of creativity, culture, and community!

For more information, visit: www.sartfestival.com

Learn more about the festival organizer: www.phareps.org