Arn Chorn-Pond’s Spring 2025 Tour: Commemorating 50 Years of Healing Through Arts
Arn will embark on his next US tour from April to May 2025—a journey that holds special meaning for him as it approaches the 50th anniversary of the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in April 2025.
This is an opportunity for Arn to share Cambodia’s journey of healing and growth, particularly through our vibrant arts and culture. Arn aims to connect with students and communities across the States to paint a fuller picture of Cambodia today. He’ll be sharing personal stories about how art has helped transform lives and heal communities in the aftermath of conflict, using Cambodia’s resurgent artistic scene as a powerful example of how creativity can rebuild and unite people.
We invite you to join Arn in these conversations about healing, art, and community. Together, we’ll explore how creativity and cultural expression can bridge divides and foster understanding.
If you would like to bring this meaningful experience to your students and communities, please contact us to discuss further.
“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
– Arn Chorn-Pon
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.
His Personal Story
Arn will share his experiences from childhood during the Khmer Rouge regime, explain how music saved his life, and discuss his book, “Never Fall Down,” co-authored by Patricia McCormick.
The Healing Power of Art
A strong believer in the power of art to heal individuals and communities, Arn Chorn-Pond will discuss how the arts helped him heal and inspired him to help others heal themselves as well.
Arts for Transformation
Arn will discuss the transformative role of arts in society, particularly in post-conflict settings. He will explore how Cambodia’s artistic revival can serve as a model for other nation.