Phnom Penh, 3rd May 2021 – More than 35 Cambodia-based photographers have donated
images as part of the Art4Food campaign that aims to raise funds for food for local communities
who have been impacted by COVID-19.
The campaign brings together photographers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with
photographs ranging from daily life in Phnom Penh’s bustling markets all the way to Cambodia’s
unsung coral reefs.
All of the proceeds from sold photographs will go towards Local4Local, a volunteer-run initiative
that has so far has donated more than 4000 meals to communities around the city who have
been hit hard by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
“We, the photographers, have been living here and taking thousands of photos of people’s
everyday life for years”, said Shunsuke Miyatake, one of the campaign’s organisers. “The
people of Cambodia have taught us how everyday life in Cambodia is beautiful … We can’t
thank them enough for their kindness. So, we have decided to give it back to them through
photography.”
Local4Local aims to create sustainability by purchasing meals prepared by street vendors which
are then delivered by cyclo-drivers and received by communities that need them most.
“All of the cyclo drivers and the people on the street are happy… All of them are benefiting from
the initiative in terms of food and necessities,” said Hem Sitha, one of 14 cyclo drivers part of
the Local4Local initiative.
“It’s incredible to see Phnom Penh’s photography community come together for one cause. Any
photographers who want to join the campaign please do get in touch,” said Shunsuke.
Prints start from $10.50 and are available for purchase on the campaign’s website
(https://www.art4food.org/) until the end of the month.
The full gallery can also be seen on the campaign’s instagram (@art4foodkh) and updates of
Local4Local’s work on their telegram (https://t.me/local4local).
About Art4Food
ART4FOOD is a creative campaign created by a group of diverse photographers in Cambodia
seeking to create the first online social art gallery, where all proceeds raised from the artwork go
towards Local4Local.
Local4Local is a youth-run food-drive that sustains cyclo drivers and supports the
underprivileged people on the streets of Phnom Penh. Local4Local supports a 3-way
sustainable ecosystem where meals are prepared and cooked by street vendors, delivered by
cyclo drivers, and received by those in need on the streets in different areas of the city.
(Photo credit: Cindy Liu)
