Established way back in 1917, RUFA is actually the oldest university in Cambodia. It all started when the Khmer Arts School was set up inside the Royal Palace. But, as luck would have it, the courtyard was just too small for all that artistic talent. So, King Sisowath decided to move the school to its current location, with the help of a French artist named George Grolier and seven talented Cambodian artists. And that's how RUFA was born!
In the swinging 1960s, the Fine Arts School got a major upgrade and became the Royal University of Fine Arts. They added five faculties to their lineup: the Faculty of Choreographic Arts, the Faculty of Music, the Faculty of Plastic Arts, the Faculty of Archaeology, and the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanization. Talk about variety!
Sadly, during the Khmer Rouge regime, the university had to close its doors in 1975. But don't worry, it bounced back like a champ. The Cambodian government reopened it in 1988 as the University of Fine Arts. And a few years later, in 1996, it was renamed the Royal University of Fine Arts.
Now, let me tell you about something really cool that's come out of this place. The Cambodian fishing dance performance! Picture this: a rural setting, male and female dancers, and some rattan baskets and scoops. This unique dance was composed right here at RUFA in the 1960s. It's a true artistic gem!
So, if you've got an eye for creativity or you just want to be surrounded by all things beautiful, RUFA is the place to be. Trust me, you'll leave feeling even more inspired than before!
