A new art school has opened in Phnom Penh this month to teach Cambodians to sketch, design and paint.

The Yamada School of Art, on street 101, provides students with three kinds of courses: one for professionals, a drawing class for children and a drawing class for the public with a Japanese tutor.

The school incorporates art in its design. Paintings and optical illusions line the walls of rooms designed to inspire students.

Mr Yamada Takakazu, a teacher at the school, said that he helped open the school because he spoke to many Cambodians who were interested in art and music, and saw an opportunity to help them studyit.

He said: “Art is easier to teach than music because I think that Cambodia is a country which has a culture of art already.”

The drawing class for children is designed for those below four years old, but Mr Takakazu said he would allow children from two and upwards.

The students who attend the school will have the opportunity to be sent to Japan on painting assignments.

Anyone interested can register at Yamada School of Art by going directly to the school or contact by email: yamadaschoolofart[at]gmail.com or telephone: 069 723 392.