Founded by Julien Poulson of legendary band Cambodian Space Project, this social enterprise has moved into a large new creative space on the outskirts of Kampot where Paulson's wife, Kek Soon, directs an evolving repertoire of festivals, arts classes and musical programmes. She also runs the centre's scrumptious cafe and guides cuisine and cultural tours. Rooms now available, too.
Soon, a fine artist in her own right, made the move to 'Fish Island' so the centre would have more space to conduct its many activities. Besides training local children and women in any number of artistic vocations – painting, sculpture, music, culinary arts – the centre hosts two major festivals, the Kampot Readers & Writers Festival in November, and the new Folk Art & Blues Fest in January or February.
The move had not yet been completed during our most recent visit, but expectations were that art exhibitions and cooking classes for tourists would be part of the equation. Definitely drop by and see what's happening. Ask about long-term volunteer opportunities. It's about 10 minutes from Kampot centre by motorbike; cross the Old French Bridge, take the second left, and head south.
