Phnom Penh: On January 4, 2025, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra proudly opens its doors to the 2nd edition of the Ekarieach Multi-Arts Competition. This highly anticipated event celebrates creativity and artistic expression, featuring many submissions from talented artists. It bridges local and international art communities, fostering cultural exchange and showcasing diverse perspectives.
The 2025 edition received over 200 submissions, of which 65 outstanding pieces have been carefully reviewed and shortlisted by a distinguished jury. These pieces showcased during the event, providing a platform for local and international artists to share their interpretations of this year’s theme, “Water,” highlighting its role in sustaining life, shaping cultures, and addressing environmental challenges such as scarcity and pollution (“L’Eau”/”Teuk”). This theme underscores the urgent need to preserve the precious gift of water, exploring its forms and significance through diverse artistic mediums.
In a commitment to fostering the noble graphic arts, the competition will expand in 2025 to include disciplines such as photography and digital creation. Organised by Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra and its esteemed partners, this initiative runs from August to October and aims to inspire creativity and innovation among artists worldwide.
The competition’s founders include Mr. Charles-Henri Chevet, area general manager of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra; Mr. Jean Morel, manager of ReCreation-Cambodia.com; and Mr. Pierre Rol, founder of Le Lézard Bleu. The jury for this year’s competition comprises esteemed professionals from the art and cultural sectors: Ms. Lysine Khao, Ms. Adrienne Ravez, Mr. Casey Barnett, and Mr. Denis Laurent. Mr. Charles-Henri Chevet, Mr. Jean Morel, and Mr. Pierre Rol.
Awards and Prizes Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra remains the primary sponsor, providing financial and material support for the event. Being well-versed in the arts is a quintessential part of the French identity. Whether it is a boundary-pushing art exhibit or an exquisite musical performance that defines the local culture, the organisers blend the heart of a place with the soul of identity to give guests both an exciting and enriching experience. Over the past years, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra has been actively participating in the Phnom Penh arts scene through regular exhibitions within the hotel, a way of expressing its active commitment to nurturing the arts in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Corporate sponsors are expected to join this year to enhance secondary award offerings, and the total prize pool is set at $5,000, distributed as follows: Jury Award $2,000; Category Awards to Art Design, Drawing, and Painting are $750; sculpture is $750; fine art photography is $750; and digital graphic art is $750.
The Ekarieach Multi-Arts Competition was established in 2023 as a platform to nurture creativity and promote artistic excellence. In its inaugural year, the competition received widespread acclaim for its innovative themes and high-calibre submissions, setting the stage for its continued success as a key cultural event in Phnom Penh. In its second year, the initiative continues to build momentum, solidifying its place as a prominent platform for artists to explore themes that resonate with humanity and the environment.
The exhibition is open every day at The Gallery & the lobby of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra from 8 AM to 10 PM.
Photo by: Deth Chanoudom
