Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh received support from policy-based credit funds from the very beginning of his business.

"Open the way"

On the winding, tree-lined road of Thuy Bieu district, credit officers from the Social Policy Bank of the city took us to visit Duc Thanh Painting House. Amidst the refreshing atmosphere of the tea gardens, Duc Thanh Painting House became even more attractive with its many colorful silk paintings and vividly painted conical hats. Not considering himself an artist, Nguyen Van Thanh humbly stated, "I haven't received formal training in art school, so I don't dare call myself an artist; I'm just a painter."

Mr. Thanh said: “My family was struggling financially in the past, so after finishing 9th grade, I decided to drop out of school to help support them. Initially, I tried various trades to make a living. However, with my special passion for painting, I worked while also learning silk painting from a close friend.”

At the age of 22, Thanh joined the army. After completing his military service, amidst many paths, he once again found his way back to painting, studying and working while seeking opportunities for economic development; over time, that passion grew stronger. "Painting chose me," Thanh confided.

According to Mr. Thanh, his family was in difficult circumstances, and as the eldest son with two younger siblings still in school, the economic burden weighed heavily on him. At that time, buying quality silk screens and paints was difficult; without capital, it was like being at a dead end. Fortunately, in 2010, he joined the Farmers' Association of the ward and was guided to access loan capital from the Social Policy Bank. And that first loan of 10 million dong was a "lifeline" for him to start his business.

With that initial capital, he invested in simple equipment and set up a small painting workshop right in his home, both creating and selling paintings to tourists. To date, this young man has gradually built a reputation. Not stopping at just painting and selling, Thanh soon realized the potential of combining art and tourism . He expanded his painting studio into an experiential destination, working with travel companies, local authorities, and associations to connect with tourist routes.

Combining art and experiential tourism.

“With the idea of ​​building the Duc Thanh Painting House, I hope that tourists can visit the process of painting on silk, painting on conical hats, and other materials, and take those artworks home as souvenirs or gifts. Tourists can directly observe each step in creating a painting, learn about the meaning of each artwork, and choose to buy if they like it,” said Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh.

It is precisely the soft, delicate brushstrokes on silk that have gradually won over customers, especially foreign tourists. Every year, Duc Thanh Painting Studio welcomes thousands of visitors, including many groups from Europe, Japan, and South Korea. Many silk paintings bearing the Duc Thanh brand have been sold in numerous countries.

According to Mr. Thanh, tourists from different countries have different tastes in choosing paintings. While French tourists prefer simple, black-and-white works, Spanish tourists are very fond of elaborate and colorful pieces... Depending on the target customer, the painter will introduce and adapt his style accordingly to meet their needs. Each painting by Duc Thanh Painter tells a story, and from that story, helps tourists understand more about the land and people of Hue.

This innovative approach quickly established a unique identity for Duc Thanh Painting Studio. The number of international visitors to his studio increased steadily. Many cultural tours included Duc Thanh Painting Studio in their itineraries exploring Hue, creating sustainable value in both art and economics. In 2024, Mr. Thanh once again approached the Social Policy Bank, boldly borrowing an additional 70 million VND to invest in an exhibition area combined with a creative space for tourists and to expand his studio to serve art tourism tours.

To date, the Duc Thanh Painting House has expanded to over 150 square meters, with the art gallery divided into four spaces. Two open-air spaces outside display some large-sized artworks and offer visitors the opportunity to experience painting. The two inner spaces serve as display areas for smaller products and painting areas. Besides silk painting, during off-peak periods, the Duc Thanh Painting House also accepts contracts to paint on conical hats, providing employment for its main workforce. Currently, in addition to Mr. Thanh, the facility employs three workers, each earning 10 million VND per month.

Text and photos: HOANG ANH

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/khoi-nghiep/chap-canh-giac-mo-khoi-nghiep-155128.html