tiSamjort's Community-Centered Art Space Offers Rest and Support in Phnom Penh
Established in 2021 by Say Tola, Neak Sophal, Tan Vatey, and Sao Sreymao, tiSamjort is a community art space located in Phnom Penh's Psar Duy Mech area. The founders transformed a one-bedroom apartment into a gallery, co-working area, and educational studio, filling the gap left by the closures of Sa Sa Art Projects (2010–2024) and Reyum Institute (1998–2010). Focused on inclusivity, tiSamjort particularly supports women and nonbinary artists. The founders bring expertise in journalism and photography. Their initiatives include the NomadiX Art Tour (2020), artist residencies slated for 2024, and Open Studio exhibitions planned for 2025, partnering with Sa Sa Art Projects and emerging talents to advocate for 'rest' as a basis for development.
Key facts
- tiSamjort was founded in 2021 by Say Tola, Neak Sophal, Tan Vatey, and Sao Sreymao.
- The space is located in a converted apartment in Phnom Penh's Psar Duy Mech neighborhood.
- tiSamjort's name translates to 'resting place' in English.
- Key programs include the NomadiX Art Tour, short-term artist residencies, and Open Studio exhibitions.
- The group emphasizes creating a safe space for women and nonbinary artists.
- Sa Sa Art Projects, a major artist-led initiative, closed in 2024 after operating since 2010.
- Cambodia's contemporary art scene transformed significantly since the 1990s post-war reconstruction era.
- tiSamjort hosted exhibitions in 2025 featuring artists Prak Dalin, Kong Siden, and Mech Sereyrath.
Entities
Artists
- Say Tola
- Neak Sophal
- Tan Vatey
- Sao Sreymao
- Dahlia Phirun
- Heng Ravuth
- Khvay Samnang
- Kong Vollak
- Lim Sokchanlina
- Vandy Rattana
- Vuth Lyno
- Masumi Rodriguez
- Elena Kirby
- Wa Lone
- Htet Moe Yan
- Prak Dalin
- Kong Siden
- Mech Sereyrath
- Mech Choulay
- Erin Gleeson
- Prim Phloeun
- So Phina
- Joanna Wolfarth
- Pamela Corey
- Ashley Thompson
- Francisco Camacho Herrera
- Ana Sophie Salazar
- Enric Catala Contreras
Institutions
- tiSamjort
- Afterall
- Cambodian Living Arts (CLA)
- Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia
- Khmer Times
- Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA)
- French Institute
- Romeet Gallery
- FT Gallery
- The Factory
- SETEC Institute
- Rosewood Phnom Penh
- Phare Ponleu Selpak
- Meta House
- Bophana Center
- Sa Sa Art Projects
- MIRAGE Contemporary Art Space
- Reyum Institute of Arts and Culture
- Java Arts
- Sa Sa Bassac
- Stiev Selapak
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
- Reporters Without Borders
- New York University, Abu Dhabi
- U.S. bombing
- United Nations Transitional Authority
- documenta 13
- Seasons of Cambodia festival
- Pin-Lobby
- Pisaot residency program
- Medha
Locations
- Phnom Penh
- Cambodia
- Psar Duy Mech
- Takeo
- Battambang
- Siem Reap
- Kampot
- Kassel
- Germany
- New York City
- USA
- Squamish
- Musqueam
- Tsleil-Waututh
- Canada
Sources
- Afterall —