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Artisans Angkor has developed from the ambitious belief that it is possible to revive ancient Khmer Arts & Crafts while improving the lives of thousands of people living in rural areas.
Not only has Artisans Angkor become a company dedicated to the preservation of traditional Khmer skills in silk-making, stone and wood carving, lacquering and painting, but it is also an organization committed to promote the development of individuals and secure their future by the means of education and welfare.
Today, our 1300 employees are proud to show that Cambodian handicraft is still alive and more creative than ever. By developing high quality products that express the dynamism of the Khmer culture, Artisans Angkor strives to be a timeless showcase for Cambodian crafts with pieces inspired by Angkor heritage as well as fashionable handmade clothing and decorative items that can suit contemporary lifestyles.
We would like to invite you to learn about our inspiring story and craftsmanship by reading the related pages on this website. If you are in Cambodia, do not forget to visit our two main sites in Siem Reap region and you will have an opportunity to experience an unforgettable voyage into the heart of Cambodian Arts & Crafts. We warmly welcome visitors to come and share our story.
What we do?
We have created over 1,000 jobs for both artisans (657) and non-craftsmen in rural Cambodia, by investing in new apprenticeships and skills creation via continuous training and setting up new village workshops.
Thirteen workshops are currently operating in 12 villages in Siem Reap province, including silk, wood carving, stone carving and finishing workshops (polychromy, lacquering, gilding). Young apprentices aged 18 to 25 are selected from rural areas through skill and motivation tests, and undertake six to eight months of free training. They are trained in groups of 15-30 people, and receive a living allowance for the duration of their training.
We contribute to the development of rural areas in Siem Reap province through the social, economic and professional advancement of the artisans, and pioneering a new social policy in Cambodia, guaranteeing levels of pay and social and medical welfare. The artisans have formed an association called Artisanat Khmer which has a 20% stake in the company, giving employees a voice in the decision making process.
Being a social business
Since 1998, Artisans Angkor has successfully revitalized traditional workmanship while pioneering innovative social policies. Education, self-respect, and well-being are values we are committed to. This positive support creates a working environment where each employee’s venture results in high quality and inspirational products.
Offering fair working conditions
Artisans Angkor has always strived to pioneer a new social policy in Cambodia, guaranteeing a fair income (higher level of salary than average) as well as social and medical welfare. Also, 5% of our craftsmen are people with disabilities and the company respects gender equal opportunity principles. The company is in full compliance with Cambodian Labor Law.
The artisans themselves formed an association which holds a 20-percent share in the company. The turnover of the company is reinvested for social purposes, such as the setting up of new trainings and the opening of new workshops in rural villages in Siem Reap province. A workshop opening means more employment in disadvantaged rural communities and therefore an improvement of social conditions and poverty alleviation.
Providing healthcare and welfare
Health services are available for all employees, they can also consult the permanent doctor working for Artisans Angkor if they require it. Furthermore, since 2009, Artisans Angkor has had annual visits of several doctors from A.I.R. Khmer, a French medical association who also ensure check-ups of the artisans’ health. These general practitioners work alongside a medical team including a dentist, gynecologist, dermatologist, physiotherapist and ophthalmologist. They all complete the employees’ health check on a voluntary basis.
They also make health and hygiene recommendations that are used by human resources department in their regular artisans meetings. These meetings are held every 6 months to raise awareness about the benefits of adopting the right postures and gestures at work. This long-term campaign is intended to give helpful advice for artisans who work on heavy pieces for example.
Working with joy
Since its creation, Artisans d’Angkor has promoted a fair and sustainable development of Cambodian Arts and Crafts with benefits to rural communities in Siem Reap province. In several workshops, the artisans have access to purpose built social facilities such as canteens, sports fields and child cares.
Furthermore, the company organizes annual events which gather all the craftsmen during the Water Festival, Pchum Ben (Ancestor’s Day) and the Khmer New Year. This is an opportunity for all employees to get to know their colleagues better, to meet each others’ families, to feel that they belong to the same organization. Artisans Angkor tries to nurture a family spirit at the workplace.
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