Art for Kep. An indpendent organization with a mission to transform Cambodia's coastal Landscape.
FOR THE ARTISTS
INTRODUCING THE KEP
CHALLENGE & TALENT QUEST
Call for Art - Showcase Your Creativity for Kep
While the theme is open to broad interpretation, artists are welcome to draw inspiration from Kep as a gathering place for creativity: its coastal scenery, layered history, and the spirit of renewal in its arts and cultural life. Submissions can also be metaphorical, narrative, or deeply personal—showing how transformation and new beginnings resonate in universal or individual ways.
Why Enter?
Join the artist contest, showcase your unique talents and win cash prizes and awards! All forms of art is welcome.
Painting & Visual Art Prize
$500 cash award plus an exhibition opportunity
Performance/Dance Prize
$500 cash award, with the option to perform at the gala
Writing Award
$500 cash award and publication on the Art for Kep website
Film/Media Prize
$500 cash award, plus a screening at a local partner venue
Other Category
$500 cash award and the opportunity to present or perform at the gala
Residency Prize
One artist will receive a fully supported one-month residency at Knai Bang Chatt.with a cash bonus of $1000
October 31st 2025
Important Dates
October 26th, 2025
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Submit your artwork by October 26th 2025
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Winners will be announced: October 30th 2025 at Raffles Phnom Penh
October 30th 2025
How to Enter
1. Prepare your artwork
2. Submit via the official Art for Kep website
3. Join us at the Gala Celebration
Apply and share your artwork through the Art for Kep website
ART OF KEP
Artist Contest Winners
Our 4 Winning Artists
From a total of 47 submissions, the following four artists achieved the highest scores and were selected as the official winners of the Art for Kep competition.
Ines Sothea
Final Score 28
Winner In the Category of Film
Eleonore Sok
Final Score 21
Winner In the Category of Poetry
Kyle Kao
Final Score 26
Winner In the Category of Visual Arts
Rita Lirea
Final Score 29
Winner In the Category of Performing Arts
Competition Rules & Jury Panel
Eligibility: Open to all artists and curators, including professionals and emerging talents, in visual arts, performance, writing, film, and conceptual disciplines.
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Artwork must be original and created solely by the entrant; works previously awarded in other contests are not eligible.
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One submission per participant is allowed. Collaborative works must list all contributors.
1. Originality & Creativity (25%)
· Does the work present a fresh perspective or unique concept?
· Does it push boundaries of the medium or challenge conventional ideas?
· Is there evidence of imagination and risk-taking?
2. Artistic Expression & Impact (25%)
· Does the work evoke emotion, thought, or dialogue?
· Is the artist’s voice or intention clear?
· Does it resonate with a broad audience while remaining authentic?
3. Technical Skill & Craftsmanship (25%)
· For the chosen medium, is there care in execution and attention to detail?
· Does the artist demonstrate control, technique, or mastery (appropriate to their level)?
· Is the presentation (framing, performance delivery, digital formatting, etc.) thoughtful?
4. Concept & Interpretation of Theme (25%)
· If a theme was provided, how effectively does the work engage with it?
· Is the interpretation original or thought-provoking?
· Does the concept align with the final presentation?
· Does the work reflect a meaningful connection to local contexts, perspectives, or cultural sensibilities—especially in relation to Cambodia’s contemporary or historical landscape?
LinDa Saphan
With a PhD, LinDa is a Cambodian artist, social anthropologist, and cultural historian. A Fulbright Scholar, she contributed to Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten: Cambodia’s Lost Rock and Roll and has published widely on Cambodian cinema and cultural history.
Pierre-André Romano
Founder of Satcha and Sar Modern Art Museum in Siem Reap; leader in promoting modern Cambodian craft and innovative, sustainable creative economies.
Reaksmey Yean
Cambodian curator, researcher, and educator; Program Director of Silapak Trotchaek Pneik, with advanced degrees and expertise in contemporary Cambodian art and criticism.
Meet Our 1st Member of The Advisory Board
His Royal Highness Prince Sisowath Tesso
His Royal Highness Prince Sisowath Tesso.
Prince Sisowath Tesso is Director of the Princess Buppha Devi Academy, respected advisor to the King, and former Secretary of State at the Ministry of tourism. An internationally recognized patron and champion of Khmer arts, he combines deep knowledge of artistic heritage, leadership in cultural initiatives, and extensive experience in promoting Cambodian artists globally. His integrity, cultural expertise, and commitment make him an ideal selection committee member for artists seeking trust and mentorship
Additional Guidelines
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Prepare a brief artist biography and CV highlighting relevant achievements; this supports the jury’s evaluation.
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Works must adhere to health and safety standards for exhibition and transport.
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Copyrights remain with the artist; selected works may be shown online and exhibited as part of Art for Kep activities.
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Entrants are responsible for ensuring proper labeling and file organization for each submission.
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Finalists may be contacted for additional interviews or supporting material.