Cambodia as a nation experienced a devastating lost during the 1975-1979 communist regime. Millions lost their lives and those that survived and were able to escape tried to rebuild a better life in a new country. Many resettled in the surrounding Washington Metropolitan area and turned to the Cambodian Buddhist Temple as a place of religious and community support. In 1986 the Founder and President of the Cambodian Buddhist Society (CBS), Inc.,Venerable Oung Mean Candavanno, formed a committee which later became the Cambodian Buddhist Society Culture Committee (CBSCC) to support the needs of the high numbers of newly resettled Cambodian refugees.
In order to rebuild and maintain culture, society, and cultural identity, the committee was charged with the task to initiate programs that would support the growing cambodian community resettled in the surrounding areas. Its first programs were to offer Khmer language classes for various levels as well as Dhamma sessions to introduce youth to teaching of Buddha and Cambodian traditions.
Soon after, the Venerable Oung Mean Candavanno, invited Dance Master Peou Khatna, member of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia and recipient of the National Endowment of Arts Award, to join the Cambodian Buddhist Society Cultural Committee (CBSCC). Dance Master Peou Khatna along with other performing artists joined in 1990 completing the objective of the cultural program to preserve and continue the Cambodian culture and arts, complete which included, language, dhamma, dance, and music.
For over 25 years, CBSCC strives to share and cultivate the unique tradition and heritage of the Cambodian culture. The committee supports and educates the community on Cambodian customs and culture through social and instructional gatherings such as dhamma, language, dance, and music classes. CBSCC programs are designed to be a welcoming and safe space to explore Cambodian culture and allows for the development of the Cambodian-American identity for generations to come. CBSCC’s programs are made possible by the commitment and dedication of volunteer instructors, performing artists, and administrators. The steady success and stability of the programs is due to the tremendous outpour of support and effort from parents and community members throughout the years. CBSCC’s programs are funded in part by an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. And in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
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Click here for the CBSCC Organization Chart |  |
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