Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists – 60 years of “special forces” on the cultural and ideological front

On December 5, in Hanoi, the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists celebrated its 60th anniversary (December 8, 1965 - December 8, 2025) with the participation of representatives of departments, ministries, branches, organizations and a large number of members and outstanding photographic artists from across the country.

On March 15, 1953, in Viet Bac, President Ho Chi Minh signed Decree 147/SL to establish the Vietnam National Photography and Cinema Enterprise. This was an important milestone, opening the period when our country's photography was assigned the task of propaganda to serve the resistance war, build and protect the Fatherland.

Scene of the celebration. Photo: Organizing Committee

To meet the requirements of developing the force and organizing increasingly strong photography activities, as well as the wishes of the Liaison Committee of Photographic Artists, on December 8 and 9, 1965, the 1st Congress of the Vietnam Photographic Artists Association was held in Hanoi. With 71 delegates attending, the Congress unanimously agreed to establish the Vietnam Photographic Artists Association, marking the birth of a political - social - professional organization representing the Vietnamese photography community.

Speaking at the ceremony, photographer Tran Thi Thu Dong, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations , President of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists, emphasized that over the past 60 years, through 9 Congress terms, under the wise leadership of the Party and the management of the State, the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists has overcome countless difficulties, hardships, and sacrifices to fulfill its assigned mission and has achieved many remarkable achievements.

Photographer Tran Thi Thu Dong, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations, President of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists, spoke. Photo: Organizing Committee

To date, the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists has grown with nearly 1,200 members operating in 40 branches across 34 provinces and cities nationwide. Three generations of photographers fighting against the French, against the Americans and the generation after the country's reunification have always been attached to the ups and downs of the country and the nation, with their talent and enthusiasm, together creating a priceless photographic history. The Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists has grown steadily, becoming a prestigious "common home".

Over the years, the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists together with all sectors and levels have regularly organized photo contests and exhibitions, specifically, nearly 40 national-level photo contests and exhibitions have been successfully organized. From 1986 to present, Photo Festivals in 8 regions have been maintained regularly, carrying out the important and practical task of bringing culture to the grassroots. On average, there have been 40-70 contests and exhibitions at all levels every year, affirming the role and position of Vietnamese Photography in social life, in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland.

Awarding Gold Medals to the authors who won the 2025 Outstanding Photography Award. Photo: Organizing Committee

According to photographer Tran Thi Thu Dong, along with domestic creative and exhibition activities, Vietnamese photography has actively and proactively reached out and integrated with world photography. In 1991, the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists became a national member of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), a prestigious organization of photographers in the world.

Since 1996, the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists has organized the International Art Photography Competition in Vietnam every two years, becoming an attractive playground, gathering many photography artists from all over the world.

Delegates and generations of photography artists at the celebration. Photo: Organizing Committee

Continuing the glorious 60-year journey, in the coming time, according to the Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists, the Association will focus on improving the quality of works, encouraging artists to engage in vibrant reality, explore new perspectives, deeply reflect the development of the country, the hidden beauty of the people and the country of Vietnam, contributing to building the system of cultural values ​​and Vietnamese people.

The Association will promote digital transformation, enhance the application of technology to store and promote works; build virtual exhibition spaces, bring works closer to the public, especially young people; and at the same time take care of nurturing the young generation of photographers.

On this occasion, the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists awarded the medal “For the cause of developing Vietnamese photography art” to 9 individuals who are leaders of departments, branches and units; conferred the title of Outstanding Photographic Artist - ES.VAPA to 9 artists; conferred the title of Especially Outstanding Photographic Artist - E.VAPA/G to 1 artist; conferred the title of Outstanding Photographic Artist - E.VAPA/G to 4 artists.

The Association also organized an award ceremony for the winners of the 2025 Outstanding Photography Award. From 273 works submitted by 179 authors for consideration this year, the Association selected 20 works for award. Of these, 2 Gold Medals belonged to the work “Pride of the Vietnamese Air Force” by author Vu Ngoc Hoang and the work “Metro Enters the New Era” by author Tran Le Huy.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/hoi-nghe-si-nhiep-anh-viet-nam-60-nam-binh-chung-dac-biet-tren-mat-tran-van-hoa-tu-tuong-725821.html