Art of Identity
The Art of Identity is a Cambodian Youth Cultural Program dedicated to creating, celebrating, and teaching Cambodian arts through dance, language, heritage, and music. The program empowers Cambodian-identified youth to explore and express their cultural identity through traditional and contemporary forms of creative expression.
Guided by Cambodian artists and community leaders, participants learn traditional practices while linking them to modern storytelling. Through these hands-on activities, youth build confidence, cultural pride, and a deep sense of belonging.
Serving Cambodian American youth across the Twin Cities and Rochester areas, the program culminates in a public community event where participants showcase their performances, visual art, and creative projects. Families, elders, and neighbors gather to celebrate the youths’ achievements, fostering intergenerational connection and mutual understanding while preserving Cambodian heritage within Minnesota’s diverse community.
Program Offerings
Program 1: Khmer Classical & Folk Dance
Khmer Classical Dance: Teaches an ancient art form deeply rooted in Cambodian history. Students learn traditional techniques, graceful hand and body postures, and the rich stories embedded in classical performance, fostering discipline, confidence, and artistic precision.
Khmer Folk Dance: Explores lively dances that reflect daily life, seasonal harvests, and regional celebrations. These performances emphasize teamwork, community connection, and the joy of collective expression.
Together, classical and folk dance deepen historical knowledge, strengthen self-identity, and preserve essential Khmer movement traditions for future generations.
Twin Cities Dance Contact: Lok Kru Tonara Hing | Phone: 651-757-0266 | Email: hing.tonn@gmail.com
Rochester Dance Contact: Nek Kru Lina Choung | Phone: 507-254-5430 | Email: hing.tonn@gmail.com
Program 2: Khmer Language
Language is a vital bridge to family histories, elders, and cultural knowledge. Through interactive lessons and creative activities, youth strengthen their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in Khmer. By building conversational confidence and literacy, participants help ensure the Khmer language remains vibrant in our local community.
Language Class Contact: Kru Green | Phone: 651-444-9886 | Email: tramlyrattanak@gmail.com
Program 3: Classical Cambodian Music
Discover the rich musical traditions and instruments preserved across generations. Youth receive hands-on instruction on traditional Cambodian instruments, learning foundational techniques, cultural history, and the vital role music plays in rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations. This program builds rhythm, discipline, and collaborative performance skills.
Instrumental Class Contact: Putheawin Samphea | Phone: 612-701-2466 | Email: putheawin.s@gmail.com
Program 4: កូន Koun: A Khmer Youth Collective
កូន Koun (Children of Khmer) is a creative sanctuary where young Khmer individuals explore identity, culture, memory, and community while building a collective archive for the next generation. Through creative writing, visual arts, photography, cooking, and storytelling, youth reflect on their personal lives and connection to Khmer history. Participants will curate, edit, and publish the debut issue of the Koun Khmer Collective Magazine, a youth-led publication featuring personal narratives, artwork, and creative writing that celebrate the modern Khmer experience.
Koun Khmer Magazine Contact: Sara Gregor | Phone: 612-701-2466 | Email: sara@apsaracreative.studio | Website: apsaracreative.studio