“Through music, we can heal the wounds of the past and create a symphony of hope for the future. Art has the power to transform not just individuals, but entire cultures.” – Arn Chorn-Pond
Fall 2025 U.S. Speaking Engagement Tour
Join us for an inspiring journey of healing through music! This fall, Arn Chorn-Pond will embark on a U.S. Speaking Engagement Tour, sharing his remarkable story of resilience. He will demonstrate how music can heal individuals and communities while transforming society through the arts.
Arn will engage with diverse audiences at schools, colleges, universities, and respective communities through conversations, musical performances, workshops, and conferences. His personal story of using art for healing offers valuable insights for today’s challenges.
From September through October 2025, Arn will visit various cities/states with the following tentative schedule:
- Providence, Rhode Island (Sept. 20-27)
- Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut (Sept. 28 – Oct. 7)
- New York and New Jersey (Oct. 8-15)
- Chicago and San Francisco (Oct. 16-23)
- Washington, DC (Oct. 24-31)
We also offer to visit other cities/states that are interested in being part of this meaningful experience. Please contact us for more information at development@cambodianlivingarts.org
A Life of Healing, Music and Hope
In 1984, Arn Chorn-Pond became the first Cambodian child soldier to speak publicly about the atrocities of the Cambodian genocide. He delivered a powerful speech to 10,000 people at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York, marking the beginning of his journey as a global advocate for peace and healing through art.
Arn’s talk usually delve into the transformative power of art, drawing from his personal experiences and broader societal impact. He will share his harrowing journey during the Khmer Rouge regime and how music became his lifeline, a story detailed in his book “Never Fall Down”. Through his own recovery and work inspiring others, Arn will discuss the healing potential of art for individuals and communities. His talk will examine art’s role in societal transformation, particularly in post-conflict settings, highlighting Cambodia’s artistic resurgence as a model for other nations.
Today, Arn continues to lead talks and workshops at conferences, universities, and high schools worldwide. Through sharing his personal story of resilience and healing, he demonstrates how art can be a powerful tool for personal growth and social change.
Empowering Young Minds Through Support!
We would like to invite you to support Melissa Borree, who is a teacher at Northern Ozaukee School District in Fredonia, Wisconsin. She is inspired by the story of Arn through the book “Never Fall Down“. Now she is raising funds to bring Arn, to visit her students this fall 2025.
“Arn’s story has been very impactful in opening up many young eyes to not only Arn’s story but to other genocides that have, and are, sadly, still occurring. Reading his story could be just one part of my student’s experiences. Arn travels around America visiting schools where he shares his journey with our youth.”_Melissa Borree, teacher at Northern Ozaukee School District
No matter the size of your donation, you will help create an enriching experience for her young students.