Cardamom Tented Camp, the eco-luxury retreat nestled within Cambodia’s Botum Sakor National Park, has launched a new artist-in-residence programme designed to foster creativity, conservation awareness and cultural engagement in one of the country’s most biodiverse landscapes.

Accessible only by river and surrounded by 18,000 hectares of protected indigenous forest, the tented camp will host a series of Cambodian artists whose work explores themes of nature, tranquillity and environmental stewardship.

The inaugural residency will welcome Khmer artist Im Pesey from 21 June to 5 July 2026. Titled Melody of the Forest, the residency will see the artist immerse himself in the surrounding rainforest environment, creating a body of work inspired by the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the Cardamom Mountains.

“Through direct observation and immersion in the camp’s environment, I aim to develop a series of paintings and drawings that translate sensory experiences into expressive visual forms,” said Pesey.

Rather than documenting the forest literally, the artist intends to explore emotional memory, mood and the relationship between humans and nature through a collection of watercolours, ink wash studies, mixed-media sketches and paintings.

A dedicated open-air creative space known as the Art Pavilion has been established at the camp to support artists throughout their residency. The pavilion will serve as both a studio and a gathering place where guests can engage directly with the creative process.

As part of the programme, each resident artist will conduct at least two workshops during their stay, inviting guests to participate in nature observation and drawing sessions. Designed for all skill levels, the workshops aim to encourage a deeper appreciation of the surrounding landscape while fostering meaningful interaction between artists and visitors.

According to Marsha Niemeijer, the camp’s artist residency director, the initiative seeks to create a platform for a diverse range of Cambodia-based creatives.

“We are initially creating the artist-in-residence programme for Cambodia-based painters, illustrators, sculptors, filmmakers, researchers, writers and more – artists whose work is inspired by themes of nature, conservation and tranquillity,” she said.

“We want to encourage dialogue between the artist, the environment and our guests and build a dynamic community with creative outcomes inspired by nature.”

Creative Conservation

The residency programme was partly inspired by The Long Run’s 4Cs framework for responsible tourism, which promotes a balanced approach to conservation, community, culture and commerce. By integrating artistic practice into its sustainability efforts, Cardamom Tented Camp aims to strengthen the cultural dimension of its conservation-focused mission.

Pesey currently exhibits his work at Gallerist in Phnom Penh, which has partnered with the camp to help identify and curate future participants for the programme.

Each artist selected for the residency will receive accommodation, full board and a stipend from Cardamom Tented Camp. In return, artists will donate at least one artwork created during their stay to become part of the camp’s permanent collection.

The camp is already in advanced discussions with two additional Cambodian artists, with further residencies expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Through the programme, Cardamom Tented Camp continues to expand its commitment to meaningful, nature-led experiences, offering guests a unique opportunity to connect with both Cambodia’s extraordinary wilderness and its vibrant creative community.