Located beside West Lake, ThonArt (Village Art) centre was founded on March 12 by a group of traditional arts lovers with their enthusiasm, aspirations and passions and it is expected to be the home of many kinds of traditional arts.

A calligraphy performance at ThonArt.

ThonArt is situated inside Sum Villa on Quang An Street. Its founders include entrepreneurs, events’ organisers and former cultural reporters.

Everyday, ThonArt showcases pavilions introducing numerous traditional arts including Dong Ho folk paintings, traditional pottery products, wood carving, lacquer and handicrafts from stone, wood and natural aromas.

The artisans are extremely professional, proficient and knowledgeable ‘guides’ who are ready to provide information as well as answer visitors’ questions related to the arts.

According to ThonArt’s Director Phan Thu Hang, the first aim of the centre is attracting visitors, particularly young people, to intangible traditional arts such as Ca Tru (ceremonial), Xam (ballads once sung by wandering blind musicians) and Quan Ho (love duet) singing.

With the name ‘ThonArt’, the centre is considered a home of arts originated from villages.

In addition, many free performances of these traditional kinds will be held to serve visitors.

This is a pretty ‘daredevil’ way as traditional arts have not attracted large audiences.

Director Hang shared ‘We will earn money from small events and activities to organise larger-scale activities.

ThonArt will periodically hold regional food markets, open courses on calligraphy and organise performances at the request of tourists through contracts with travel businesses.

The revenues from these activities will be used for free performances.

Arts units joining ThonArt project include Thang Long Ca Tru troupe, Ha thanh (Hanoi) Xam singing troupe and a group of Quan Ho (love duet) singers from Bac Ninh.”

ThonArt members went to many regions and localities around the country to meet with cultural actors and artisans to listen their introductions as well as learn from their performances to create attractive events for visitors enjoy and experience, said Head of Hanoi Calligraphy Club Kieu Quoc Khanh who is also artistic director of the centre.

In addition to traditional arts, contemporary art is one of fields that ThonArt will use to attract younger generations.

Coming to the centre, visitors will have a chance to learn more about body art, performing and installation arts.

Newly formed in mid-March, ThonArt members have created numerous ideas for this month’s programmes.

A special Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional long dress) festival is scheduled for later in the month.

Ao Dai patterns will be drawn with calligraphic brushworks, particularly the image of lotus petals on West Lake, by calligrapher Kieu Quoc Khanh, along with young painters, including one from Germany.

According to Khanh, the festival will highlight the beauty of Vietnamese women, in association with the beauty of lotus and West Lake.

Before deciding to launch ThonArt, founders had together participated in various cultural events in Hanoi including ‘Memory of Hanoi’ programme, markets showcasing ancient things, calligraphy festival in Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature) and ‘Spring Book Fair’.

After common works, they saw their similar feeling and decided to create a common house for arts, said director Phan Thu Hang.