On December 30, General Secretary To Lam hosted a cordial meeting with representatives from Vietnam’s artistic and cultural community.

The gathering, attended by 200 delegates and leaders of the Party and State, demonstrated the Central Committee, Politburo, Secretariat, and General Secretary’s commitment to encouraging and motivating artists to embrace a spirit of creativity, unity, and dedication.

A legacy of artistic contributions

Vietnamese literature and art, under the leadership of the Party, have produced valuable works throughout the nation’s history, inspiring the public and contributing to the nation’s development and defense.

Do Hong Quan, President of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations, highlighted the dedication of artists from 10 national art associations and 63 provincial associations, describing them as a robust force deeply connected to the nation and its people.

He emphasized the role of artists in shaping a new set of values, fostering a culture of love, unity, resilience, and creativity. These contributions are vital to building a modern Vietnamese identity while upholding ethical and humanistic values.

Challenges and aspirations

Do Hong Quan also acknowledged certain challenges, such as the lack of monumental works that capture the spirit of the times.

He pointed out how market trends and foreign influences have led some artists to produce shallow, commercially driven works, diluting the essence of Vietnamese culture.

Additionally, the succession of artistic talent remains limited, with fewer young artists emerging to continue the legacy of the senior generation. Training and mentoring programs for young artists lack sufficient structure and strength.

He urged artists to aspire to create meaningful works with profound ideological and artistic value, fulfilling their responsibilities to the Party, State, and people.

Nguyen Cong Bay, Major General and People’s Artist, highlighted the role of cultural and artistic contributions from the armed forces in promoting wholesome cultural environments. He called for enhancing the quality and impact of cultural works to better serve military personnel and the general public.

He also stressed the importance of leveraging cultural facilities such as museums, libraries, cultural centers, and theaters to bring artistic creations closer to audiences.

Since its inception in 2023, Ho Guom Theater has served as a hub for showcasing artistic creations from across Vietnam and internationally, demonstrating the vital role of cultural institutions.

Enhancing arts education

People’s Artist Bui Cong Duy, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Academy of Music, spoke on the importance of attracting talent and improving training in specialized art fields.

He noted ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to propose government policies supporting training in specialized and unique art professions.

However, he also pointed out gaps in existing policies, suggesting revisions to the legal framework to better support art education and development.

He called for comprehensive policies to attract, support, and nurture talent in the arts, ensuring systematic and sustainable development. Suitable benefits and recognition for educators, artists, and cultural workers were also emphasized.

Tran Thuong