VietNamNet Bridge – A music gala featuring Vietnamese culture and lifestyle attracted 500 people in Manila on Tuesday to mark 35 years of Viet Nam-Philippines relations.

Dozens of veteran performers from professional art troupes in HCM City, including zither artist Tuyet Mai and flutist Dinh Linh, left a strong impression on the audience.

The event was organised by the HCM City's People Committee in co-operation with Viet Nam Embassy in Manila. It was part of the city's cultural and trade activities in the Philippines this week to strengthen ties between the two countries.

* British Council Arts Fund supports Vietnamese artists

The British Council Viet Nam has established an arts fund of US$42,000 to support Vietnamese artists, curators and producers in order to help develop careers and build international ties.

The resources of the British Council Arts Fund (BCAF) will be awarded to applicants whose proposals are approved by the supervisory board.

BCAF aims to enhance artistic collaboration between Viet Nam and the UK, promoting understanding and appreciation of the two cultures.

"Viet Nam continues to have an incredibly diverse and talented set of artists. Much of its arts scene has developed in isolation but is now further benefiting from international influences. It's our aim to help nurture artistic talent – to continue to open it up to both a wider audience and to wider influences," said Simon Beardow, deputy director of the British Council._

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News