Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thua Hy, the winner of the awards' Grand Prize, speaks at the ceremony

The awards were initiated in 2008 by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s The Thao & Van Hoa daily and Bui Xuan Phai’s family. The awards have been organised annually by the Hanoi People’s Committee and sponsored by the The Thao & Van Hoa newspaper and Bui Xuan Phai Fund to honour painter Bui Xuan Phai (1920-1988), a founder of modern art in Vietnam.

Speaking at the ceremony, VNA General Director Nguyen Duc Loi praised the efforts by the newspaper in organising the awards, which have served the mission of discovering and honouring significant contributions to the capital city.

The awards are classified into four categories: Grand Prize, Idea Prize, Job Prize, and Work Prize.

This year’s Grand Prize went to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thua Hy. Born in Hanoi in 1937, he has carried out major research projects on Thang Long – Hanoi in various centuries in the past across several fields of socio-economy, history and culture.

His research works began 40 years ago and have been regularly updated. His latest book on Hanoi was released in 2018 and more are expected to come. The winner of the Meritorious Teacher title has greatly contributed to the studies of the capital city.

The Idea Prize were presented to a project on building the Formula 1 race and hosting Formula 1 Grand Prix in Hanoi for the first time in April 2020 and the determination to revive To Lich River of Hanoi authorities and local people.

Three books entitled “Hanoi mot thoi hat” by Nguyen Truong Quy earned the Work Prize. They introduce Hanoi’s lifestyle in the 1947-1954 period through composer Doan Chuan’s music.

The Job Prize went to a Hanoi sketching group, who have worked to keep memories of the capital city through their paintings, especially Hanoi’s old tenements.

A photo exhibition showcasing the most outstanding nominations for this year’s awards was opened on the same day at the National News Centre, 5 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi. It will run until August 30.

60 sketches capturing Hanoi’s beauty on display

One of the 60 sketches is displayed at the exhibition.

The sketches depict an elegant and memorable Hanoi with old condominiums, tiny street corners or colonial tenements, among others.

In the framework of the annual “Bui Xuan Phai – For the Love of Hanoi” Award, 60 sketches depicting Hanoi’s beauty by Urban Sketchers Hanoi are on display at an exhibition from August 27 to August 30 at No. 5 Ly Thuong Kiet street, Hoan Kiem district.

This is the 12th edition of the award, which is held annually in mid-August to honor authors, works, deeds, and ideas that contribute to Vietnam’s capital city.

According to the organizers, the sketches depict an elegant and memorable Hanoi with old condominiums, tiny street corners or colonial tenements, among others.

The works truly and vividly convey the soul of the capital city through the hands of 4,000 member of the Urban Sketchers Hanoi.

On this occasion, some books about Hanoi were nominated for the Bui Xuan Phai award, including "Once upon a time, Hanoi sings – The heart unexpectedly sets lyrics" by Nguyen Truong Quy; "Kim Lien once upon a time" by Vu Cong Chien; "Hanoi shops and wards" by Uong Trieu are also presented.

Bui Xuan Phai was a well-known artist living in the 20th with special love for Hanoi.

Visitors to the exhibition are also introduced to a host of activities held by Hanoi authorities and citizens to promote the image of the City for Peace.

Hanoitimes/VNA/VNS/VNN