By Chheang Pilot
June 27 - July 01, 2013: Following on from the previous article, Mr. Deum Tola (the winner) and Mr. Chheang Pilot (UC Offi ce Assistance) attended “On Top of the World”, the 14th International High School Arts Festival award ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton, in Tokyo, Japan, which was organized by the International Foundation for Arts and Culture.
Dr. Haruhisa Handa (Founder and Chairman of International Foundation for Arts and Culture and Executive Committee Chairman of the International High School Arts Festival) gave a welcoming speech, where he noted that the objective of the International High School Arts Festival is to encourage more future artists in the world, to contribute to the public good of the community. That is why the festival comprises if only artworks submitted by high school students. Thus the submission of personal works of art is open to any high school student at no charge.
Dr. Handa added that the festival does not view high school students as children but rather as professional artists with untested potential. It is one of the few venues where high school artwork is evaluated at the same level as mature artists. In addition, the festival allows participants to experience international exchange while still in high school. Award-winners from overseas can meet Japanese art students and share their knowledge and culture with other young talents.
I am really proud that I attended an international awarding ceremony and I was able to visit Japan, a country which is highly developed. After participating in this event I learned a great deal about different artworks from various cultures. And I plan to share this experience with other Cambodian high school students who wish to be future candidates in this art contest year.
I would like to thank Dr. Haruhisa Handa, Chairman of the International Foundation for Arts and Culture, for having organized the International High School Arts Festival. I also would like to thank the University of Cambodia, for providing young artist the opportunity to express their artistic talents.
