Phnom Penh Contemporary: Cambodian contemporary art comes to the Royal University of Fine Arts
From 12 to 16 November 2026, the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) in Phnom Penh hosts the first edition of Phnom Penh Contemporary. Around fifteen Cambodian and Cambodia-connected artists will exhibit. The first days are reserved for collectors and embassies, a silent auction runs alongside, and a dedicated space is given to Indigenous sacred art. The event overlaps with the Francophonie Summit.
Phnom Penh is getting its own contemporary art event. For its first edition, Phnom Penh Contemporary takes over the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) for five days. It was initiated by the Anicca Foundation.
A platform for Cambodian artists
Organizers describe the event as more than an exhibition. The aim is to show Cambodian contemporary art, connect artists with collectors and institutions, and position Phnom Penh as a cultural destination in Southeast Asia. Collectors, diplomats, business leaders and cultural institutions are expected alongside the public.
Marina Pok sets out the ambition in the press kit: “After a decade sharing arty journeys within Cambodia, I feel that it is time to embody our mission as the catalyst between a growing Cambodian contemporary voice and the appetence of the global market for a strongly rooted creative community, artists who shared common heritage & are connected to the growing global challenges.”
Around fifteen artists, four in the spotlight
Phnom Penh Contemporary brings together around fifteen Cambodian and Cambodia-connected artists: established names, rising talents, emerging artists and a few visual artists from the diaspora. The press kit highlights four.
Leang Seckon is presented as one of Cambodia’s most internationally recognised contemporary artists. His layered works return to the memory and history of the country, and to its identity.
Channy Chhoeun paints wildlife and nature in vivid colours. The paintings look at the relationship between animals, the environment and humans, and bring environmental concerns into Cambodian contemporary art.
Hul Kanha, an up-and-coming artist, works across disciplines on women, identity and social experience, through photography, painting, collage and mixed media.
Thang Sothea makes installations and sculptures. They deal with memory, landscape, spirituality and humanity’s relationship with nature.
Five days of programming
The first two days, 12 and 13 November, are reserved for partners, media, collectors and embassies, with preview tours led by curators and directors. The opening ceremony takes place on the morning of 12 November, by invitation. The exhibition then opens to the public for the weekend. On the programme:
• an exhibition of some of Cambodia’s leading contemporary artists;
• dedicated spaces for emerging artists and for Indigenous sacred art;
• artist talks and live discussions on creativity, heritage and identity;
• a silent auction of modern artworks from a private collection;
• the “Contemporary Alley”, with food, student artists and community activities;
• school visits for young people.
The public closing ceremony will announce the first Young Artist Award. It will be followed by live performances.
RUFA students at the centre
The press kit puts the emphasis on developing Cambodia’s creative ecosystem. Phnom Penh Contemporary works with RUFA: students get hands-on experience in running an exhibition, and young artists can present and sell their work, then compete for the Young Artist Award, given for the first time.
The venue has its own history. According to the press kit, the school was founded in 1917 by George Groslier and seven Cambodian artists, on the mission of King Sisowath. Organizers see the event as a reflection of the growing link between cultural and economic development, and of the role of the creative industries in the country’s future.
A space for Indigenous sacred art
With support from the Henry Luce Foundation, the event sets aside a space for Indigenous sacred art. Organizers say these traditions are rarely shown in major exhibitions.
Institutional backing, a busy calendar
The event has the personal encouragement of King Norodom Sihamoni. The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, RUFA, the Henry Luce Foundation and the Institut français du Cambodge support it. Neak Okhna Sear Rithy is founding patron.
On 15 and 16 November, Cambodia also hosts the 20th Francophonie Summit: around ninety delegations and heads of state, under the theme “Reinvesting in Peace & Lasting Sustainability”. Organizers say they expect journalists from high-end magazines and art and lifestyle editors.
The press kit describes Phnom Penh Contemporary as the starting point of a long-term cultural initiative. It aims to build lasting links between Cambodian artists and international collectors, curators, galleries and institutions.
Practical information
• Dates: 12–16 November 2026
• Venue: Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA), Phnom Penh
• Opening ceremony: 12 November, morning, by invitation
• Preview days: 12 and 13 November, by invitation
• Public days: 14 and 15 November, registration required
• Phnom Penh Contemporary reception: 16 November, 7 pm, by invitation
• Silent auction: 8–16 November
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