Artisans Associations of Cambodia

Artisans Association of Cambodia has lost its major source of funding from World Rehabilitation Fund, however, the member organizations continued their membership with the association and the tireless AAC Director, Sinoeun Men, continues representing and supporting the member organizations on a limited budget.

Since July of last year, AAC have helped members with legalization with ministry of commerce, ministry of Economic and Finance (Tax Department). Many members in Siem Reap already registered with the ministries and some are still in process, so do the members are in Phnom Penh and Battambang.

Through AAC partners, at least 3 AAC members recently returned from France after attending the Messe Frankfurt fair. As a result, they received orders immediately after attending the fair.

Many other members are currently taking the 9 month design course. By the end of the course, there will be five members selected to attend Berlin Bazaar in November.

AAC will be meeting the Berlin Bazaar representatives on August 12, 2019 to discuss their projects and opportunities for more AAC affiliated members to be involved. AAC needs additional funds for the artisans to attend craft trade fairs, since their current financial situation is not sufficient for the full sponsorship of attending an international craft fair.

In April 2019, AAC members are going to attend the Bangkok International Gift Fair, Bangkok International Houseware Fair, and Bangkok International Fashion Fair in Thailand.

On March 20, 2019, AAC held a session on Apparel and Fashion for 25 people from AAC members and other artisans from the weaving community. The session is going to be facilitated by a Fulbright professor from the US, organized through the US Embassy.

 AAC executive committee meeting will take place on April 27-29, in Siem Reap province. It will host participants from HomeNet South East Asia.

 On April 4 -7, 2019, a number of AAC members are going to attend the Craft Bangkok 2019 in Bangkok Thailand. 

Eight of the member organizations are actively supporting the needs of persons with disabilities.

The number of artisans and support staff employed by member organizations and benefiting from the AAC services is currently about 4,000 people. 79% of persons benefitting from this program are women and 53% of the member organizations of the Association are directed by women.

11 members groups are engaged in support projects for youth from vulnerable backgrounds and 5 members groups are particularly involved with helping to promote environmental improvements.