Music for Everyone School (MES) is a free music school for Cambodian Children situated in Siem Reap Cambodia. Founded by 22-year-old Ponlok Shila in 2012, with the mission to provide free music education to all children up to 23 years old.
Due to both the massive social and cultural disruption of the Khmer Rouge era and the ongoing socio-economic and political challenges since that time, investments in cultural sustainability have been behind. Moreover, an estimated 90% of all artists lost their lives during the Khmer Rouge regime. Long story short, the existence of a sustainable foundation and a vibrant and supportive arts sector is nihil.
Due to both the massive social and cultural disruption of the Khmer Rouge era and the ongoing socio-economic and political challenges since that time, investments in cultural sustainability have been behind. Moreover, an estimated 90% of all artists lost their lives during the Khmer Rouge regime. Long story short, the existence of a sustainable foundation and a vibrant and supportive arts sector is nihil.
In 2016, Shila and I coincidently met at the Hard Rock Cafe, while his students were playing live music. Little did we know what adventure was awaiting us.
Founder: Ponlok Shila
Volunteer Teacher + Festival Initiator: Josine Bakkes
Volunteer Teacher + Festival Initiator: Josine Bakkes
The day after, what was supposed to be an innocent visit to the music school, turned out to become my first working day as a volunteer piano teacher. From here, lots of additional projects started to grow.
The concept of the Music Festival in Siem Reap, was born in response to an average lack- of stage/performance opportunities, financial sustainability and governmental recognition. At first, an innocent idea to showcase the talent, and raise awareness for the school. One month later we hosted, what turned out to become the first
Music & Art Festival in Siem Reap.
The concept of the Music Festival in Siem Reap, was born in response to an average lack- of stage/performance opportunities, financial sustainability and governmental recognition. At first, an innocent idea to showcase the talent, and raise awareness for the school. One month later we hosted, what turned out to become the first
Music & Art Festival in Siem Reap.
A beautiful garden, artists from all over Cambodia, dance groups, an art exhibition, and special unexpected guests, such as the old saxophone player of Frank Sinatra. Life was flowing, and when life is flowing you know you do something good.
The Music & Arts festival reached newspapers, resulted in a governmental response, provided funding for 6 months of school operations, and connected over 200 people from Cambodia and beyond.
The Music & Arts festival reached newspapers, resulted in a governmental response, provided funding for 6 months of school operations, and connected over 200 people from Cambodia and beyond.
