About Dara Huot: Founder, Cultural Curator, and Storyteller
I am a storyteller, weaving tales that matter. I am the voice for those who came before me, a descendant of a people whose legacies echo through the generations. My work is a bridge between Cambodia’s past and its future, honoring a powerful history of artistry and resilience.
A Legacy of Storytelling
My own story began on March 3rd, 1983-3-3—a date lovingly chosen by my late father, Sou Chan Huot. Back then, it wasn’t uncommon for people to simply declare a birthdate when filling out documentation—many did, multiple times!
Like many Cambodians, I come from a long lineage of storytellers. The revered master artist in the photo is a powerful example of this tradition. His life, from birth to death, existed entirely within the period of time Cambodia was in, what some describe as French protection, and others, colonization. As a Chapei Dong Veng performer, he roamed from village to village, creating oral epics of wit and wisdom entirely through improvisation. Many of his works are preserved in poetic form and are still studied today, serving as a timeless reflection of Cambodian values.
My mother’s memories were my bedtime stories. She spoke of the night she fled—barefoot, beneath the stars and the relentless sun. She ran without rest, praying to Mother Earth for protection. Soldiers saw her but did not fire. She had left behind her two children and husband in separate labor camps, faces she would never see again. This profound history of survival and dignity is the well from which my own work flows.
From Survival to Stewardship
From being a child and youth vendor in the streets and markets…To washing dishes and serving meals in a school cafeteria…and To interpreting for foreign artists alongside marginalized youth touring Cambodia—raising awareness on HIV/AIDS, malaria, and dengue fever…
To using my modest stipend to help student performers find second-hand clothing for circus training…
Over 25 years, my professional experience expanded across travel, tourism, and events. I ultimately led a team of 120 at Phare Performing Social Enterprise better known as phare circus and phare creative stuiod, for 12 years, advancing a mission to create professional pathways for Cambodian youth and revitalize the arts. This journey, from a high-school music student to a leader in the creative industries, taught me that art heals and work restores dignity.
Daraism&Artists: A Healing Response
Daraism&Artists was born from this journey—a venture rooted in peace, artistry, and collective uplift. Co-created with my life partner and a dedicated team, our work honors lived experiences and shared learnings so that we may all: Learn. Exchange. Heal. Strive. Rise.
My offerings are designed to create meaningful connections and lasting impact:
- Speaking: Keynotes and talks on purposeful leadership, resilient culture, responsible tourism, social entrepreneurship.
- Advisory: Strategy and organizational culture consulting for values-aligned brands and social enterprises.
- Experience Design: Thoughtfully crafted experiences that celebrate cambodianess and invite guests to engage, learn and appreciate.
A Personal Invitation
I am fluent in Khmer, French, and English, and can connect across cultures with a little Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. I cherish culinary discovery and believe in the power of shared experiences.
Our signature experience, “Day(s) in a Lifetime with Dara, Artists & the Magics of Siem Reap/Cambodia,” is co-curated with you. It is a living invitation to connect, reflect, and rise. Our collections celebrate handpicked, diligently vetted artists, social entrepreneurs, and initiatives that embody our mission.
I hope you’ll watch the 12-minute video on this page. Crafted by my friends Hélène and Visay with a voiceover by their son, Rémy, it is a portrait of purpose—a gift for me, for Cambodians of my generation, and for my grandchildren.
I would love to get to know you and discover what makes us connect. You are welcome here.
📧 dara@daraismandartists.org📱 +855 15 662 31 💬 Telegram channel: https://t.me/DaraismArtistsEncounter
