Artists, designers and dreamers from across Southeast Asia are being invited to imagine a brighter future through art, as open calls have been launched for a new project celebrating “Solarpunk” with a distinct Southeast Asian identity.
Organised by EnergyLab Asia in collaboration with Micro Galleries, Sambor Village in Kampong Thom and Seapunk Studios, the initiative includes an art residency from September 25-30 at Sambor village and a digital art exhibition on October 4 at F3 – Friends Futures Factory in Phnom Penh, as part of Clean Energy Week 2025.
Solarpunk is an emerging art and literary movement that imagines societies where communities thrive in harmony with nature, powered by renewable energy.
It stands in contrast to dystopian visions, placing emphasis on optimism, local resilience and cultural continuity.
“Stories and art plant seeds, fertilising the world we want to see flourishing, greener and fairer for all,” the organisers said in a statement.
“We believe it is crucial to create a Southeast Asian version of this movement, connected with the local culture, aesthetics and climate-adapted practices,” they explained.
According to Micro Galleries it’s “optimistic environmentalism”, showing how a sustainable, just and beautiful future could look.
Miguel Jeronimo – freelance photographer, writer, curator and one of the project’s organisers – said the initiative will provide guidance and inspiration for participants.
“They will be supported with an introduction to the Solarpunk concept and collective brainstorms to help them imagine the future of Cambodia that includes a better harmony between technology, community, nature, local knowledge and spiritual practices,” Jeronimo said.
He explained that the residency will be more than just studio time. There will be field visits to local indigenous communities to learn about their ancestral practices in living with the forest, to better rethink our current modern ways of living.
“Artists will also tour the Sambor Prei Kuk temples to learn about history, cultural and aesthetic visions, so that the artworks they create reflect Cambodian style and centuries of evolution, instead of purely focusing on a universal modernity that doesn’t take into account local contexts and practices,” he told The Post.
Two separate open calls are open to creatives of all levels. The first is a digital art exhibition accepting submissions until September 25, with printing costs to be covered by the organisers.
The second is an art residency for Cambodia-based artists running from September 25-30, with transportation, accommodation and guided visits provided.
Jeronimo added that the project will culminate in an interactive exhibition.
“Yes, for sure the exhibition will give the chance for artists to interact with the audience, and also sell artworks, engage in further discussions on these topics,” he said.
He emphasised that no prior knowledge of Solarpunk is required, encouraging artists to learn more via seapunk.asia before applying.
