About Friends of Khmer Culture

FRIENDS OF KHMER CULTURE, Inc. was established to support Khmer arts and cultural organizations. Our mission is to work with Cambodian institutions to develop projects that are self-sustaining and therefore provide a bridge to future artistic and intellectual independence. The Khmer civilization that produced the magnificent sculpture and architecture of Cambodia flourished for more than a thousand years. Expressing the spiritual ideals of Buddhism and Hinduism as well as local genius, it was inspired and cherished by a continuous line of Khmer monarchs and their people. Today, after decades of devastating civil unrest, Cambodia is at peace, but its financial and human resources are still too limited to support and safeguard the centuries-old Khmer artistic traditions and monuments without help. With your support, Friends of Khmer Culture will try to help sustain this remarkable heritage that resonates with universal as well as national significance.

Mission Statement Friends of Khmer Culture supports all forms of Khmer cultural expression. We work with Cambodian and international scholars, artists, and institutions to preserve past achievements and encourage new vitality in art, literature, scholarship, and the performing arts. These fields are central to our mission to help rebuild civil society and enhance awareness and appreciation of Khmer culture both within and beyond Cambodia.

History Friends of Khmer Culture (FOKCI) was incorporated in New York as a not-for-profit corporation in 2000. FOKCI is a Section 501(c)(3) public charity and donations are tax deductible. It has a Board of Directors that meets at least four times a year, and an international Advisory Council.