Art for Kep Kep International Art Week Art for Kep · Edition 01
Traditional Khmer kite-making

KITE Workshop and Competition

Partner: Association for the Conservation and Development of Khmer Kites (ACDKK)

Venue
Kep West Open
12–13 Dec 2026, then two-week extension Curator
Art for Kep with KITE Association Admission
Free during Art Week
Register for workshops and competitions
A traditional Khmer Khleng Ek kite: gold ornament and a three-headed elephant painted on its wings, with the bamboo bow across the top
A Khleng Ek, the traditional Khmer musical kite, with its bamboo bow.

About the exhibition

The Association for the Conservation and Development of Khmer Kites (ACDKK) is dedicated to preserving and passing on the traditional Cambodian art of kite-making, particularly the Khleng Ek, a distinctive musical kite known for the humming sound produced by its bamboo bow. Traditionally flown after the rice harvest, the Khleng Ek carries cultural significance, reflecting local beliefs, seasonal rhythms, and Cambodia’s living heritage.

In collaboration with KITE Association, Art for Kep presents KITE Workshop and Competition, celebrating the process and outcomes of traditional Khmer kite-making workshops. Through hands-on learning and intergenerational knowledge-sharing, participants explore the techniques, materials, and cultural stories behind this distinctive craft.

The exhibition highlights the importance of safeguarding traditional knowledge and keeping Khmer cultural practices alive for future generations. Visitors are invited to discover how an enduring tradition can continue to inspire creativity, strengthen community connections, and bring cultural heritage into contemporary life.

Opening during Art Week on 12–13 December 2026 at Kep West, the exhibition will remain on view for an additional two weeks.

Programme

Two days of kites at Kep West

Saturday is for making, and for the schools. Sunday belongs to the big Khleng Ek, the creative kites, and the artists.

Saturday 12 December

Kite-making workshop and school competition

07:00–08:00
Arrival and registration.
08:00–08:45
Opening and national anthem. Welcome from Jef Moons, Chair of Art for Kep. Group photo and refreshments.
08:45–09:15
A short history of Khmer kites and how they are made, with Sreung Savaroth, President of ACDKK.
09:15–12:00
Workshop. Making the Khleng Ek and the Hov Pao by hand, in small groups, with Sreung Charun and ACDKK instructors.
12:00–13:30
Lunch break.
13:30–16:30
School competition. Hov Pao and Khleng Ek flying for primary and secondary students.
16:30–17:00
Results and prizes for the winning teams.

Sunday 13 December

Open competition for youth, communities and artists

08:00–09:00
Competitors gather on the field.
09:00–09:30
Opening and national anthem. Welcome from Sreung Savaroth, ACDKK, and an opening address from Kep International Art Week.
09:30–09:40
100 kites in the air, flown together for the students.
09:40–12:00
Round 1. Khleng Ek and creative kites.
12:00–13:30
Lunch break.
13:30–16:00
Round 2. Khleng Ek and creative kites, including the five artist kites.
16:00–16:30
Results and prizes for the winning teams.

The organisers may adjust the programme if needed. The exhibition stays open at Kep West for two weeks after Art Week.

Competition 2026

Categories and judging

Each category awards first, second and third place.

CategoryDayKite sizeJudged on
Primary schools · pocket kiteSaturday50–60 cm wingspan or heightLook (drawing and decoration) 50%, flight 50%
Secondary schools · Khleng EkSaturday120–140 cm wingspanLook 40%, flight 30%, sound of the bow 30%
Open · Khleng EkSunday180–220 cm wingspanLook 30%, flight 40%, sound of the bow 30%
Open · creative kiteSunday150 cm or more, wingspan or heightLook (drawing and decoration) 50%, flight 50%

The open categories welcome competitors from Kep, other provinces and invited communities.

Workshops, competitions and five artist places. Registration is free. Places in the workshops and the artist programme are limited.

Register now

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