Press Conference “Who are Artists? Why Them? Why Now?”

The press conference Who are Artists? Why Them? Why Now?, a part of CICADA’s Advocacy Campaign to mobilize support for artists and cultural professionals, was successfully held on December 13, 2024 with approximately 60 distinguished guests, including Cultural and Creative Professionals from various fields, including culinary arts, classical and contemporary dance, music, film, literature, and many more, as well as representatives of organizations, associations, embassies, ministries, departments, and potential donor institutions.

During the conference, we officially launched the Policy Paper titled “Behind the Curtains: Vulnerabilities and Untapped Potential of Cultural and Creative Industry Workers in Cambodia.” The launch included a detailed presentation aimed at raising awareness about the significant challenges faced by artists and cultural professionals in the country. The presentation highlighted key findings and issues outlined in the paper, emphasizing the urgent need for greater support and recognition. It served as a powerful call to action, encouraging stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to join efforts in addressing these challenges and unlocking the full potential of the Cultural and Creative Industries in Cambodia.

CICADA also distributed the “Know Your Rights” pamphlet which was designed for all professionals in the arts, cultural and creative industries to explore information of their rights and benefits they are entitled to as workers in this sector. In the pamphlet, they can access information regarding the rights to social protection (NSSF), intellectual property rights, employment contracts, and freedom of artistic creation.

The Panel Discussion was an important session of the press conference, designed to explore and discuss insights on questions such as: Who are artists or cultural professionals? In what sectors and sub-sectors do they work? What contribution do they, similar to workers in other sectors, make to society and the economy? And why is it important to care about them?

We were honored to have three panelists and a moderator from diverse fields of expertise within the same sector, offering detailed perspectives on the topic. Our esteemed panelists included Neang SouSou, an Ayai singer; Kai BRENNERT, founder of edgeandstory; HENG Sokgech, National Project Coordinator from the ILO; and our moderator, Mr. KEO Doung, a Lecturer at the Royal University of Phnom Penh.

To amplify voices even further, we featured a contemporary dance performance by SilverBelle Dance titled “Who Am I?” This moving piece shed light on the struggles and challenges faced by artists and cultural professionals. The performance was nothing short of a masterpiece, captivating the audience with its emotion and powerful storytelling. It brought many in the room to tears, reminding them of the obstacles they have faced and the resilience they hold within the sector. The heartfelt delivery not only resonated deeply but also created a shared sense of solidarity and understanding among everyone present.

Following the press conference, CICADA continues this mission by working with relevant institutions and ministries to ensure full and positive responses through policies and future collaborations that uphold the rights and protection of Cultural and Creative Industry workers in Cambodia.

In the Press Conference, there were several Press Media participate to capture news for article and videos as attach in the links here for you to explore more insights into the event including Kiripost, Apsara TV, BTV News, CNC News, RFI Khmer, PNN News, TVK, AMS Education, and Fast News Daily.

Watch our Press Conference Recap Video of the event on CICADA Facebook Page.
Watch our Advocacy Campaign Video on CICADA Facebook Page.