Khmer (Cambodian) culture experienced a deep and devastating blow during the terrible years of the Khmer Rouge regime. Performing arts were banned and artists, artisans, dancers and musicians were executed or died. To contribute to the revival of the Cambodian art and film scene, Cambodia’s first independent arts, media and communication centre, META HOUSE (www.meta-house.com) was established in January 2007 in the capital Phnom Penh.
META HOUSE was founded by German journalist, documentarian and cultural manager Nicolaus Mesterharm and a team of Cambodian colleagues, in cooperation with the German Goethe-Insitute. It actively supports Cambodian artists and students to promote the development of contemporary arts and media, through local and international exhibitions, regular film screenings, workshops, community-based projects, artist exchange programs and by fostering links with galleries, curators, non-governmental/governmental organizations, as well as South-East Asian and international universities. It also hosts dance, theatre and music events, and provides space for meaningful public events, workshops and seminars by national and international NGOs. Through close cooperation with a large number of youth and student organizations METAHOUSE is constantly reaching out to Cambodia’s young generation.
In 2010, METAHOUSE opened its recent facility at #37, Sothearos Boulevard, inaugurated by Minister of Culture H.E. Hem Chhem and German Ambassador Frank Marcus Mann, in partnership with the Goethe-Institute. Set on more than 500 sqm, it accommodates a large gallery/multi-function room, the German language school, the M.E.T.A film school, a rooftop cinema and the “Art Café”. In 2013 and 2014, META HOUSE was awarded “Best Art Space” by the Cambodian magazine “The Advisor”.
The CAMBODIAN-GERMAN CULTURAL ASSOCIATION (KDKG e.V.) is the umbrella organization of META HOUSE. The international NGO is registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Cambodia and has signed an Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education. It is the sole partner of the Goethe Institute in Cambodia.