Celebrating Cambodian culture

Local restaurant Bopha Devi raised more than $2800 for Cambodian Living Arts earlier this year.

The NewQuay Cambodian restaurant celebrated its 10th anniversary in October by holding a masquerade fundraiser, which raised funds for an arts scholarship for disadvantaged Cambodian students.

Cambodia is currently experiencing an artistic renaissance after the Khmer Rouge wiped out an estimated 90 per cent of the artistic community during the 1970s.

Bopha Devi has a particular focus on celebrating this artistic renaissance.

“We want to encourage young Cambodians to connect with their heritage and support them in expressing themselves. Through them, Cambodia can inspire the world,” said Bopha Devi co-owner Chan Uoy.

Mr Uoy was just five years old when his family joined thousands of refugees who fled to Thailand during the early days of the Khmer Rouge’s reign. He and his family were among the first Cambodian refugees to arrive in Melbourne in 1976.

Mr Uoy is planning to return to Cambodia next year. bringing with him a group of travellers for an “immersion” tour of the country.

Part pilgramage to the country he left behind, the tour will also celebrate, Khmer cuisine, culture, history and the blossoming arts scene.