This project identifies and funds exceptional students from Cambodian Living Arts to teach traditional music and dance to younger students attending schools sponsored by Cambodian Volunteers for Community Development (CVCD). This program introduces a new generation of Cambodians to its rich musical and dance heritage, and encourages the young teachers (ages 17-23) to continue their artistic studies by providing a rare opportunity to share their skills and receive much-needed compensation. In addition to a $500 teaching stipend awarded by the Elastic Arts Foundation (www.elasticarts.org) of Chicago, each teacher will be mentored by a Cambodian Master Artist whom will help plan weekly classes and provide teaching advice. In return, these Masters will be compensated with a one-year supply of rice harvested at a CVCD rice mill that supports over 150 farmers in the rural Battambang province. The rice is donated by CVCD and Clear Path International.
This collaboration between Cambodian Living Arts, Cambodian Volunteers for Community Development and Elastic Arts Foundation honors the unifying work of Arn Chorn-Pond, the founder of both CLA and CVCD. The pilot program (March-December 2010) supports five gifted young artists---Chamroeun Sophea, Hou Chey Chanrith, Ouch Savy, Pheun Sreypov, and Pov Punisa---to teach traditional Cambodian music and dance. Dan Schwarzlose of the Elastic Arts Foundation will direct and document the project, and submit grant proposals in order to secure long-term financial support for the program.