(VOVworld) – Vietnam has many policies to honor artists and artisans in particular. In the future, granting the titles ‘people’s artisan’ and ‘meritorious artisan’ in terms of intangible cultural heritage will be promoted to continue recognizing contributions by artisans to preserving the values of the national folk culture.

Ca tru singer Le Thi Bach Van was conferred with the title ‘Meritorious artist’ in 2012. Together with more than 10 others, Van was then granted by the Vietnam Folklore Arts Association the title ‘Folklore Artist’ for her contributions over the past 30 years to preserving and upholding the values of Ca tru singing. She shared her feeling: “Any acts of conferring and recognition are useful. Ca tru singing is an example. In this field, it’s hard to confer a title on an artist unless they have talent. In any case, to become a recognized artisan requires much time to learn and gain experience. ”

Ca Tru has confirmed an important position in the national traditional music (Photo: ven.vn)

In the future, artisan Bach Van will also be presented with two more titles - ‘people’s artisan’ and ‘meritorious artisan’ – pursuant to the newly-issued government regulation.

Before the rule was promulgated in June 2014, the Vietnam Folklore Arts Association has taken the lead in revering artisans. More than 300 people have been conferred with the title of ‘Folklore artist’ based on standards such as having a thorough grasp of folk heritage, using their own ability in the area to serve the community, and enthusiastically teaching and introducing the ability to younger generations. Professor To Ngoc Thanh, President of Vietnam Folklore Arts Association, said that as the association has a branch in each province or city, its members know well who deserves recognition. The association has worked with provincial Department for Culture, Sports, and Tourism and local authorities and held meetings with local residents to gather opinions, compiling dossiers of artisans who may deserve titles. Professor Thanh said:

“Artisans are among the nation’s most talented people. Vietnamese people have a saying: talent is the life-sustaining element of the nation. Thus we should honor them and prepare dossiers to prepare the titles acknowledging their contributions.”

Pulling strings: Old musician Nguyen Van Mui performs with members of his family's Ca Tru Thai Ha Club (Photo: Truong Vi-VNS)

The most important thing in presenting the titles is the recognition of the community and professional assessments while the biggest happiness for artisans is to be able to use their knowledge and experience to serve the community. They also need more support from the state to preserve and pass on the values of intangible cultural heritage to younger generations. Culture researcher Bui Trong Hien said:

“Cultural values are not popular or exactly restricted in a certain environment. They are at high risk of falling into oblivion in our modern society. As a result, developed countries often have policies to protect both trainers and trainees.”

Under the new government regulations, the titles of ‘people’s artisan’ and ‘meritorious artisan’ will be granted to artisans working in the genres of spoken language, script, folk philology, folk performance art, social and religious habits, traditional festivals, and folk knowledge. People’s artisans and meritorious artisans will receive medals or certificates from the President and rewards pursuant to Vietnam’s regulations of these awards. Artisans who have low incomes or are in a in difficult situation will receive monthly subsidy.