Giant Puppet Project Siem Reap 2007

In 2007 I initiated and coordinated the first Giant Puppet Project in Siem Reap. A friend from the UK, Jig Cochrane came to Cambodia in January 2007 to lead the puppet making workshops that involved 360 local children from schools, orphanages and street kid organisations. It was such a success we decided to organise a second Giant Puppet Project in 2008. 

The 2008 the Giant Puppet Project Siem Reap partnered with the SPOTLIGHT festival, an all inclusive arts festival that took place in February and March in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Each year approximately 6 large puppets were created on a number of themes covering endangered species, road safety, hygiene, dengue fever awareness, Buddhist gods and famous Cambodian people such as Kong Nay. The puppets were made with rattan and tissue paper and plastic bottles collected to create an Apsara to bring awareness to single use plastic.

After the 2008 project I stepped back from the coordination and fundraising role, thankfully local expat Stuart Cochlin and Jig took up the reins. The Giant Puppet Project became a highly anticipated annual event on the calendar and is always hugely enjoyed by children and adults alike. The project has now moved to Battambang and continues in collaboration with Phare Art School.