August 22, 2025
PHNOM PENH – More than 500 photographs which capture the vibrant life, people and heritage of Cambodia’s capital will go on display later this month.
They are part of Photography for Empowerment, a citywide exhibition jointly organised by the Phnom Penh Photography Collective (PPPC), Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) and Kinin Collective.
“The exhibition, opening on August 30, will span three venues — Maloop, Kinin and Nesat — each highlighting a unique theme of Phnom Penh’s identity,” explained the organisers.
Maloop will feature Phnom Penh Eclectic, focusing on architecture and heritage; Kinin will present Faces of Phnom Penh, a celebration of the city’s diverse human spirit; and Nesat will host The Pulse of Phnom Penh, spotlighting the colours and textures of daily life.
Pavel Lipski – Survivor. PHOTO: THE PHNOM PENH POST
The project, conceived by PPPC’s creative director Shunsuke Miyatake, has engaged professional and amateur photographers, students from CCF’s photography club and members of the public over the past three months.
Through workshops and guided photowalks across markets, riversides and urban streets, participants submitted their best shots for curation.
“This project is about more than photographs. It’s about identity, memory and change, as seen through the eyes of those who live it every day,” Miyatake said.
“We’re creating a bridge between professional photographers, passionate hobbyists and young voices who might otherwise never have a platform,” he added.
The exhibitions, running for two months, will include interactive elements such as QR codes linking to online galleries.
Neil Pollick – Beauty Parlour. PHOTO: THE PHNOM PENH POST
Visitors can also purchase prints, with all proceeds going to support CCF’s Photography & Media Club, which provides youth with cameras, editing tools and mentorship.
CCF representatives highlighted the impact of the initiative on young participants.
“Street photography gives our students the chance to see beauty and meaning in the everyday world around them, something poverty doesn’t often allow them to see,” said Andrew Roberts, CCF’s STEM coordinator.
For some students, it marks a milestone in their personal journey.
Savet, a 16-year-old Grade 8 student whose street scene photograph was selected, said, “This is the first time I have entered an event like this. I am nervous and also very happy that my photo was selected for the exhibition.”
Petr Nabutov – Kind Butcher. PHOTO: THE PHNOM PENH POST
Organizers emphasised the collaborative spirit behind the project.
“These exhibitions would not be possible without the extremely generous support of Take (Miyatake) and all the photographers. We are delighted with the number and quality of submissions received,” said Kerryn Leitch of Kinin Collective.
An opening event will be held on August 30 at Maloop restaurant on Ta Phon Street, starting at 6pm The exhibitions will remain on display for two months.
Scott Rotzoll – Klaeng Ek. PHOTO: THE PHNOM PENH POST