These "candles" illuminate the national culture.

Recently, at a New Year's meeting of artists and media agencies organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, artists shared their thoughts on the "bottlenecks" and offered suggestions for the city's development.

Appearing as a young artist who frequently participates in major political events, singer Anh Tú could not hide his emotion. He shared with humility: What he said does not represent any organization, but is simply the heartfelt expression of a professional grateful to this land.

Artist Anh Tú shares his perspective as a young person. (Photo: PV)

For Anh Tú, 2025 was a brilliant milestone with self-composed songs such as "Between Peace," "He Is Ho Chi Minh," and "Dear Party." Standing on the stage at the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Southern Vietnam and the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, he was proud to be a small "candle" contributing to illuminating the artistic light of the city – which he considers the cradle of cultural industry but still preserves its national identity.

From the perspective of a seasoned professional, Meritorious Artist Le Trung Thao – who recently brought glory to the country with a Gold Medal at the China-ASEAN Theatre Festival 2025 – hopes that the city will open more doors for artists to "take their talents abroad," promoting Vietnamese culture to the world .

Meanwhile, veteran artists such as Meritorious Artist Minh Nhi, Meritorious Artist Hanh Thuy, and Meritorious Artist Manh Dung are concerned about the "sanctuary" of art. They wish for performance spaces that are large-scale and worthy of a megacity.

Meritorious Artist Quoc Thao reflects on the state of theatrical art. (Photo: PV)

Reflecting on the art of theater, Meritorious Artist Quoc Thao expressed some of the difficulties facing theaters today, such as the need to find suitable venues, but often being unable to rent them for long periods. In some cases, venues have to be vacated shortly after investment, or are only rented for a maximum of one year, forcing artists to struggle to find alternative locations.

He expressed his concern: “Theatre is a unique cultural identity of Ho Chi Minh City, but currently there are no theaters performing every night, not even in Hanoi. Meanwhile, foreigners visiting Ho Chi Minh City really enjoy watching plays – a distinctive cultural feature of the city named after President Ho Chi Minh. Given the current situation where many cultural centers and theaters are still empty, we hope that the city leaders will pay more attention to theater, creating conditions for artists to have places to perform, so that we can feel secure in creating, working, serving, and bringing good plays to the community.”

The sharing of "Mr. Ba the snake catcher" - Meritorious Artist Mạnh Dung - moved the entire audience. After so many years of dedication as a soldier on the cultural front, he choked up as he affirmed: "Today, we artists have truly escaped the stigma of being considered worthless performers."

This is a great recognition from society for those who dedicate themselves to their profession. Artist Minh Nhi also expressed his wish that the local authorities would create the best possible conditions for artists to "work with peace of mind," leaving behind timeless works for future generations.

Listening to those heartfelt concerns, Ms. Van Thi Bach Tuyet, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, affirmed that the city always appreciates and welcomes all opinions.

She shared some good news: If nothing changes, a modern, multi-functional performing arts center will take shape in Thu Thiem by the end of 2028.

This will be the place to realize aspirations for a cultural institution of sufficient stature to serve major events. In addition, training human resources and nurturing talent are top priorities so that culture truly becomes a pillar for the sustainable development of the city.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/nhung-ngon-nen-thap-sang-van-hoa-dan-toc.html