An archival photo exhibition of the past presented with the "now" of Battambang. These juxtapositions will show us how this city has emerged and changed over the past 100 years. “Damnow” is organized by David “Jam” Ramjattan.

About the venue: The Battambang Bike offers bike rentals, ARTchitectural Tours and custom tours in Battambang.

A public art installation in Battambang which explores ideas of dreams, work, ambitions and power in an increasingly global age.

About the venue: The Battambang Bike offers bike rentals, ARTchitectural Tours and custom tours in Battambang.

The Our City Festival 2012 launches with the opening of the exhibition Multiple Streams: A Confluence – a group exhibition at No Problem Park on the historic Street 178 (across from RUFA) which brings together contemporary art and architectural projects around the festival's theme: Urban Currents.

For the opening there will be performances, festive offerings and surprises! Thanks to the additional support of City Star and Kingdom Beer.

Water Curse or Blessing?! An exhibition traveling to Phnom Penh from Berlin, Germany for the Our City Festival. The project brings together voices from the Asia-Pacific region to reflect on the issues of water and the environmental and social impact. The exhibition presents 25 infrastructural, architectural, planning, and artistic projects with exemplary local, problem-orientated solutions which have been implemented in China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Emirates, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore and Australia.

A workshop parallels the exhibition and features dialogues between exhibiting designers and architects from the Asia-Pacific region and Cambodian architecture/arts students and professionals. Additional support from Heinrich Böll Foundation Originally created and exhibited at AEDES in Berlin, Germany as part of Asia Pacific Weeks 2011. The exhibition has been designed to travel and will be shown in India throughout 2012 and in other Asian capitals in 2012 and 2013.

Mekong Flux Shelby E. Doyle Video + Installation Mekong Flux is a time lapse video of photos taken once a week from a ferry dock in Phnom Penh. It documents the rise of the Mekong River for 25 weeks from April to September 2012. The video is coupled with an installation which graphs the rise of the water and makes occupiable the 10 meter depth change of the Mekong River. By placing this installation in the city the volumetric magnitude of the water is understood in relation to the scale of the surrounding buildings. Seeing the water as an object diagrammed onto the city reveals the temporal and spatial nature of the city's relationship to water. This installation aims to draw attention to how daily and seasonal flood events change our perceptions and interactions with urban space.

Niemandsland Topp & Dubio Video A video piece by collaborative Topp & Dubio which discusses the issue of ownership of space in the city and moves back and forth between the harsh reality and a boundless optimism about human possibilities.

Walk the City Kong Vollak in collaboration with Sar Rattana and Prom Puthisal Installation A participatory installation which literally invites viewers to walk through the city.

Storytelling through photography Chan Muyhong, Chan Pisey, Long Reaksmei, Neak Sophal, Sao Sopheak, Seng Manoriddh and Tes Vanna Exhibition A showcase and space to explore selected images by participants of week-long intensive workshop lead by Kim Hak. It was designed for emerging artists and photography enthusiasts to introduce them to photography as a tool and medium for storytelling.

Daun Penh Kim Hak Video Kim Hak dedicates his moving film ‘Daun Penh’ to those who left Phnom Penh under the Khmer Rouge regime and personally calls for them to ‘come home.’ In acknowledging the diasporic experience, Hak sensitively reflects on the impact the passing of time has on historical memory, identity and a sense of belonging.

Phnom Penh Central Station Anna Katharina Scheidegger Video The film is an insight into the lives of families living on the railway tracks of Phnom Penh. A few times a week, a train passes through their carefully created living space. It is a statement about space and force. Silent and with distance in it’s aesthetic - the shots are close to moving photographs, a fixed camera most of the time - it observes the lives in this reduced space.

Building Again Amy Lee Sanford Public Encounter + Performance Both a precursor and a trace, this virtual emptiness will transform in to an archival site, making visible Amy Lee Sanford’s participatory performance ‘Building Again’. Exploring the process of breaking and rebuilding in a public space, Amy, with several participants, will destroy a 2 x 3 meter wall by hand and rebuild it again in the exact same public space.

Public Square Anida Yoeu Ali/Studio Revolt A 24-hour durational performance and installation work set outside of the Central Market. The Public Square is a highly visible designated space that allows for the denizens of Phnom Penh to engage in private conversations with people in the arts community. The installation is yet to be fully realized. Once it leaves the gallery setting it will be fully activated by offering a new place and context for conversations between Phnom Penh residents and the arts community. 

About the venue: N/A

A series of choreographed performances and flash mobs. Based on simple physical movements and an awareness of the surrounding environment, these performances reinvent our movement and interactions in public space and renew our appreciation of them.

About the venue: N/A

With the increasing population in Phnom Penh, the traffic steadily grows. A failed attempt to introduce a public bus system 2001 highlighted the challenge of the perception that public transport is for low income people who cannot afford their own vehicle. It is not “cool” to get on the bus. This project is an invitation to all Cambodian people to join in this experiment with public transportation that would feature better bus stops, eco friendly vehicles and, last but not least, a cooler looking bus.

About the venue: The Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center collects and safeguards audiovisual documents about Cambodia (films, documentaries, TV and radio broadcasts, photographs, sound recordings). The public has free access to the documents and cultural events such as exhibitions and film screenings. The center produces films and provides services in audiovisual sector, sound studio and mobile screening. Its aim is to encourage the new generation to voice their ideas and to build a future based on intergenerational reconciliation and creativity.

A 30 minute film documenting life in the White Building (aka "Building") in Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh. The film is a portrait of this unique space and its residents. One night screening only at 7pm. A Prospero film __________________ From 6:30 to 7PM The Underdogs will make their debut with a short set of Western and Khmer songs. The Underdogs musicians are all young residents of the Building, and recently came together as senior students at Music Arts School, where the band formed.

About the venue: Cambodia’s first media/art/communication center, META HOUSE was established in January 2007 in the capital Phnom Penh. German journalist/filmmaker Nico Mesterharm and his team aimed to contribute to the revival of the Cambodian art and film scene after decades of turmoil. In June 2010 the project makers opened a new facility: META HOUSE: CAMBODIAN GERMAN CULTURAL CENTER. Besides exhibitions and film screenings, Meta House also hosts dance, theatre and music events, as well as provides space for meaningful public events where NGOs are invited to conduct workshops and seminars.

Urban Interventions aims to improve urban space in Phnom Penh. The work is a collection of images and text; interventions into the urban realm, as ‘food for thought,’ addressing potential scenarios for the future Phnom Penh. Images are installed as 'advertisements' on tuk-tuks which travel the city throughout the day sharing these ideas with the public they are designed to serve.

About the venue: The public space created by the advertisement board on tuk tuks.

"A World of Difference" is an exploration of development and change in Phnom Penh, and the human facets of a rapidly evolving urban fabric. 

Over the last decade Phnom Penh has experienced consecutive years of double digit economic growth, characterized by an influx of foreign investment and a flurry of construction throughout the capital. A significant number of large, ambitious projects have been undertaken, with mixed results ranging from increasingly inhabited satellite cities, through empty tower blocks, to half-built concrete towers. 

Development is having a dramatic impact on the city. The cityscape is visibly changing, but the changes also have a less tangible impact on the character of Phnom Penh. 

The human dimension of the city is all too easily eclipsed amidst the scale and rapidity of construction. Where does the average Phnom Penhite fit in?

A World of Difference explores the boom from a human scale. Using a combination of images of the cityscape and individual portraiture, the exhibition examines changing Phnom Penh against the backdrop of its people. 

About the venue: “Baitong” is the Khmer word for “Green.” We serve high quality, healthy Asian food in a relaxing, natural and modern environment. We use the finest fresh and organic ingredients, offer friendly and efficient service, and embrace the local community.

Since 2009 The Institut Français du Cambodge has organized a contest for architecture students to offer them the opportunity to showcase their ideas, creativity and know-how. Cambodia Airports, the main partner and supporter of this year’s contest, has provided the theme: the future expansion phase of Sihanoukville International Airport.

Supported by Cambodia Airports

About the venue: The French Cultural Center of Cambodia is a space for encounters and exchanges intended to promote French culture as well as new Khmer creation and to increasing the influence of francophone culture in all its diversity. All activities sponsored by the French Cultural Center are part of a strategy of cooperation with local partners. Its intent is to continue to be an essential part of the cultural life of Cambodia and a show-window for French savoir-faire.

The Goethe-Centrum Phnom Penh presents Fairy Tale Worlds (Märchenwelten), a new exhibition celebrating the Brothers Grimm on the 200th anniversary of the first publication of the Children’s and Household Tales. Fairy Tales fascinate children and adults even today, but their motives have recurred in countless variants from then to nowadays. A Goethe Institute Project

About the venue: Cambodia’s first media/art/communication center, META HOUSE was established in January 2007 in the capital Phnom Penh. German journalist/filmmaker Nico Mesterharm and his team aimed to contribute to the revival of the Cambodian art and film scene after decades of turmoil. In June 2010 the project makers opened a new facility: META HOUSE: CAMBODIAN GERMAN CULTURAL CENTER. Besides exhibitions and film screenings, Meta House also hosts dance, theatre and music events, as well as provides space for meaningful public events where NGOs are invited to conduct workshops and seminars.

As part of the student curriculum, the Urban Design Studio is a cornerstone of the program for the School of Architecture and Urban planning at both Norton University and Cambodian Mekong University. For the Our City Festival, the university presents work by the students, including observations about the city and descriptive analyses using documentation and maps resulting in a series of “city-postcards.”

About the venue: Norton University is the oldest private university of Cambodia. It was established to complement the government in providing higher learning to a growing number of qualified people who are eager to advance their knowledge.

As part of the student curriculum, the Urban Design Studio is a cornerstone of the program for the School of Architecture and Urban planning at both Norton University and Cambodian Mekong University. For the Our City Festival, the university presents work by the students, including observations about the city and descriptive analyses using documentation and maps resulting in a series of “city-postcards.”

About the venue: Cambodian Mekong University was established to accommodate the needs of its students in preparation for their successful future career. We take special pride in giving assurance in providing quality education using international standards.

“Kaley,” a sculpture and puppet, was conceived and commissioned for A Bend in the River, a new work by award-winning choreographer Sophiline Shapiro and the Khmer Arts Ensemble. This is the first time the sculpture will be seen in public, later appearing in the performance in Cambodia and New York City. A Bend in the River Three of Cambodia’s internationally renowned performing and visual artists join forces in order to add to their culture’s rich storytelling tradition with A Bend in the River, a new dance work that reflects on the choices we make in the heat of passion. Conceived and choreographed by Sophiline Cheam Shapiro for 15 dancers and an unreliable narrator, A Bend in the River is a contemporary telling of a Cambodian village tale of love, heartbreak, vengeance, consequence and redemption. The work will be set to an original musical score by Him Sophy, performed live by 8 instrumentalists and singers, and feature puppets by visual artist Sopheap Pich. _____________________ "Pillar", sculptures and drawings by artist Kong Vollak, displayed in the lobby of UNESCO’s historical building highlights the juxtaposition of classical and modern structures within the city landscape.

About the venue: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) works to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values. It is through this dialogue that the world can achieve global visions of sustainable development encompassing observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which are at the heart of UNESCO’S mission and activities.

The ARTchitectural Tour starts in Battambang’s historical downtown, with rich explanations of the area’s history and dynamic contemporary arts’ scene. The tour moves slowly into the countryside and explores Battambang's culture, canals and exotic hidden temples. The tour will start at 8am. This tour is free for everyone and snacks/water will be provided during the trip. The journey is approx 3hrs, 25km. It’s a great ride for beginners and can be done with a pedal bicycle. To rent a bicycle it is recommended to come 30 minutes before departure.

About the venue: The Battambang Bike offers bike rentals, ARTchitectural Tours and custom tours in Battambang.

Reflections by students of Mith Samlanth Open to the public only for the event A two part project featuring both sculptural and photographic creations. In one, students from the welding vocational training have constructed a globe, the sides of which have been carefully and colorfully decorated with recycled materials by other students at the center to representing their positive and negative feelings about their world. In the second project, students show what they most like and dislike about their city through photography. These activities are developed to stimulate reflection and discussion amongst the youths as well as give them an outlet for expression. Mith Samlanh is a program which works with marginalized children, young people and their families in Phnom Penh, supporting them to build their futures through access to education, training and employment. “Together building futures for children, families and communities."

About the venue: Mith Samlanh is a program which works with marginalized children, young people and their families in Phnom Penh, supporting them to build their futures through access to education, training and employment. “Together building futures for children, families and communities."

Part 1 - Wall construction

Exploring the process of breaking and rebuilding in a public space, Amy, with several participants, will destroy a 2 x 3 meter wall by hand and rebuild it again in the exact same public space.

About the venue: (TBC)

Curated by Shelby Elizabeth Doyle During the festival the ground floor of Bophana will become an architecture gallery and living archive displaying the projects and ideas developed by the Urban Lab Interns and projects from international universities about Phnom Penh. The goal is to bring together young architects to talk about the future of Phnom Penh and to gather urban resources for Phnom Penh in a single place to promote the discussion of architecture and urban design in the city. The Our City Festival Urban Lab is the result of a series of summer workshops and culminates with a final workshop and exchange as part of Water: Curse or Blessing?! displayed at No Problem Park. Additional support from Frangipani Villa Hotels A large collection of Architecture and Design books donated by Manolis House

About the venue: The Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center collects and safeguards audiovisual documents about Cambodia (films, documentaries, TV and radio broadcasts, photographs, sound recordings). The public has free access to the documents and cultural events such as exhibitions and film screenings. The center produces films and provides services in audiovisual sector, sound studio and mobile screening. Its aim is to encourage the new generation to voice their ideas and to build a future based on intergenerational reconciliation and creativity.

Sophiline Cheam Shapiro?s Munkul Lokey is an example of the cosmopolitan possibilities of Cambodian art. Commissioned by the Guggenheim Museum?s Works and Process Series in 2008, this romantic and lyrical project evokes feelings of love, eroticism, and spirituality. Its choreography for four dancers and innovative costuming are suffused with an exquisite and intimate contemporary invocation of Cambodian classicism. This will be the first time the full-length work has been performed in Cambodia. Free bus available at west side of Independence Monument, departs at 6pm. First come, first serve – for more information: +855 (0)23 425 780 or info@khmerarts.org

About the venue: The Khmer Arts Ensemble is an independent, professional dance company based at the Khmer Arts Theater in Takhmao. It develops and performs the original choreography of Sophiline Cheam Shapiro as well as rarely seen dances from the classical canon and performs these works on major stages throughout the world.

Wetlands Work! debuts the installation Urban Wetland Pissoir and invites the public to observe the installation process. The Pissoir consists of a shallow aquatic garden running several meters alongside an urban street in Phnom Penh. The Urban Wetland Pissoir highlights the challenge of public urination and its subsequent health issues, and the broader function of wetlands in treating urban wastewater, while offering an aesthetic solution.

Additional support from the Cambodian Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Launch and presentation 10am Sunday, 30 September

Pissoir opening hours:

Tuesday 10:00-12:00
Wednesday 14:00 - 16:00
Thursday 16:00-18:00
Friday 13:00-15:00
Saturday 12:00-14:00
Sunday 18:00-20:00

About the venue: Cambodia Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries - North side of the intersection between Norodom and Mao Tse Toung Blvds

Part 2 - Wall demolition and reconstruction

Exploring the process of breaking and rebuilding in a public space, Amy, with several participants, will destroy a 2 x 3 meter wall by hand and rebuild it again in the exact same public space.

Participants:  Nancy BEAVAN, Kulthida NATEWACHARACHAI, Kate O'HARA, SEA Raksmey, Kulnapa PUMITHANES, SAN Sambom, YIN Sinoun 

Materials:   Bricks, concrete, sand, steel, bamboo, plastic

About the venue: (TBC)

Chea Phal is a young Cambodian for whom photography has become a tool to explore his passion for architecture, space and history of his surroundings. This collection focuses on twelve structures in Phnom Penh which he has explored during his regular walks. The exhibition is an opportunity to join Phal in contemplating Phnom Penh’s urban landscape, its past, present and future, through these unique structures. Phal helps us discover some of the capital’s hidden spaces and look at them in more detail throughout the changing light of the day. He takes us through Phnom Penh’s magic hour to glimpse other more obvious spaces, however, often overlooked, forgotten and all facing an uncertain future. Exhibition curated and installed by On Photography Cambodia with additional support from The Plantation

About the venue: Located behind the Royal Palace in the historical center of Phnom Penh, the newly opened Plantation resort & spa offers all of the services you'd expect of a quality resort... right in the center of the city. Spread over half a hectare, the Plantation hosts 70 rooms, two swimming pools, a restaurant, two bars, a gym, a meeting room and even a luxurious rooftop suite. And of course, all this is located at a two minute walk from the some of the "must see" places in Phnom Penh.

Battambang Land Use Plan, Heritage Initiative and Urban Poor Community Development Meta House highlights urban and rural land issues in Cambodia through a series of exhibitions and presentations that explore issues of urban development, heritage management and urban poor communities’ development in the City of Battambang. In addition, Khmer Architecture Tours launches a new edition of the “Battambang Walking Maps.” At the Meta Cafe, world-renown photographer Tim Page presents a selection of his photos of the land registration process along side San Phyrum’s photos of beneficiaries of the land distribution program for the rural poor. Meta House completes the event with screening videos related to the topic. The event is funded by the German Development Cooperation through GIZ Land Rights Programme. Tim Page’s documentation of the land registration process has been funded by the Government of Finland through Finnmap. The two Walking Maps of Battamabang are developed in cooperation with the Urban Planning Unit of Battambang Municipality.

About the venue: Cambodia’s first media/art/communication center, META HOUSE was established in January 2007 in the capital Phnom Penh. German journalist/filmmaker Nico Mesterharm and his team aimed to contribute to the revival of the Cambodian art and film scene after decades of turmoil. In June 2010 the project makers opened a new facility: META HOUSE: CAMBODIAN GERMAN CULTURAL CENTER. Besides exhibitions and film screenings, Meta House also hosts dance, theatre and music events, as well as provides space for meaningful public events where NGOs are invited to conduct workshops and seminars.

At the core of The Black Wood, a multi-disciplinary installation featuring sculpture, found objects and photography, is the concept of a secure place to call 'home'. It reflects on ideas of place, shelter, security and how they connect to individuals and entire communities.

About the venue: Romeet Gallery was founded by Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) in 2011 as a Phnom Penh platform for emerging and established alumni of the PPS's Visual Art School in Battambang. Romeet is a dynamic space for contemporary art exhibitions, talks, workshops, local collaborations and international exchange.

“Injured” is an existential exploration by artist and teacher Srey Bandaul. Building on the philosophical foundations of Buddhism, the artist underscores one of the core concepts that if we let go of fears and desires that our “injuries” would diminsh. Srey says: “Even life is that simple, but a huge number of people are struggling with fears and tiredness because of their desire to be famous, reputable, rich and powerful and to have high level status; and sometimes they dare to invade other people, other countries, nations and other natures. Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they fail, but when the end of the life comes everything is melted and lost.” This work is the result of Srey Bandaul’s residency in New York City through the support of the Asian Cultural Council. It has been realized through the grants program of JavaArts with the support of Van Cleve Fine Arts.

About the venue: JavaArts is a cultural enterprise that was launched in partnership with Java Café & Gallery in the year 2000 in Phnom Penh, where it is currently based operating a gallery and arts lab. Supported by the café and gallery activities, JavaArts is a platform for the development of contemporary visual arts in Cambodia. It works to sustain arts practice for artists, researchers, curators and other creative practitioners and has provided a launching pad to many emerging artists who have since gone on to become prominent figures in the contemporary art world.

A 24-hour durational performance and installation work set outside of the Central Market. The Public Square is a highly visible designated space that allows for the denizens of Phnom Penh to engage in private conversations with people in the arts community.

About the venue: (TBC)

The closing of the Urban Lab will offer an opportunity to explore the completed projects and experiments of the participating interns. The Urban Lab provides a space for the exchange of ideas between university students, architects, artists and urban thinkers about the present and future of Phnom Penh. The Urban Lab is curated by Shelby Elizabeth Doyle

About the venue: The Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center collects and safeguards audiovisual documents about Cambodia (films, documentaries, TV and radio broadcasts, photographs, sound recordings). The public has free access to the documents and cultural events such as exhibitions and film screenings. The center produces films and provides services in audiovisual sector, sound studio and mobile screening. Its aim is to encourage the new generation to voice their ideas and to build a future based on intergenerational reconciliation and creativity.

Tour in Khmer only Meeting point in front of the clock at Wat Phnom The Heritage Mission offers a free guided tour through the former 'French/European Quarter' of Phnom Penh. The tour follows the idea of OPEN DOORS, which has been realized over the past decades in many cities around the world to improve architectural knowledge and to promote urban heritage. The concept was introduced to Phnom Penh in 2010, offering free access to public and private buildings to discover intelligent designs and hidden urban beauties. In cooperation with the Cambodian Ministry of Culture

About the venue: Wat Phnom

An evening dedicated to the lively exchange of ideas about Phnom Penh and its urban evolution. 'In conversation' talks with members of the arts and architecture community, short films and slideshows aim to provide a forum for reflection as a closing event for Our City Festival 2012.

About the venue: Cambodia’s first media/art/communication center, META HOUSE was established in January 2007 in the capital Phnom Penh. German journalist/filmmaker Nico Mesterharm and his team aimed to contribute to the revival of the Cambodian art and film scene after decades of turmoil. In June 2010 the project makers opened a new facility: META HOUSE: CAMBODIAN GERMAN CULTURAL CENTER. Besides exhibitions and film screenings, Meta House also hosts dance, theatre and music events, as well as provides space for meaningful public events where NGOs are invited to conduct workshops and seminars.