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From September 2025, when the Government 's new policies for artisans and intangible cultural heritage subjects come into effect, artisans, clubs, and heritage practice groups will not only receive material support but also be further motivated to continue their journey of preserving and passing on the torch to future generations.
Helping artisans keep the flame of their craft alive.
Folk artist Le Van Loi (residing in Tran Bien ward) is one of the figures deeply involved in Dong Nai's traditional folk music for five decades. Born into a family with a musical tradition, he was early captivated by the sounds of the kìm, cò, and sến instruments, and the lyrical Vọng Cổ melodies. At eighty years old, his hands are calloused, his eyesight is failing, but whenever his fingers touch the strings, his youth, memories, and passion seem to awaken, resonating with each note.
Since 1975, artisan Le Van Loi has traveled extensively throughout villages and neighborhoods within and outside the province, participating in community activities and teaching his musical skills to those passionate about traditional Vietnamese opera and cải lương (reformed opera). In recent years, his declining health and difficult family circumstances have led him to consider retiring. However, his passion for traditional Vietnamese music, along with encouragement from his students and fellow art lovers, has kept him dedicated to the craft.
Folk artist Pham Lo, Chairman of the Dong Nai Province Traditional Music Club, shared: “Preserving intangible cultural heritage is not just about preserving an art form, but also about preserving the soul and identity of the land. When that ‘flame’ is fueled by policies and the collective efforts of the community, the heritage will continue to spread, becoming a connecting thread between generations, so that traditional music, folk melodies, customs, and festivals will live on through time.”
In 2025, artisan Le Van Loi, along with many other artisans from Dong Nai such as Pham Lo (residing in Tran Bien ward); Pham Thi Linh (residing in Phu Nghia commune); Vu Thi Thien (residing in Dong Phu commune); Tran Van Hung (residing in Long Hung ward); Nguyen Thi Phung (residing in An Phuoc commune)... were nominated for the title of Outstanding Artisan in the field of intangible cultural heritage. Many dossiers of these artisans have been approved by the Provincial Awarding Council and submitted to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Most recently, the Government issued Decree No. 215/2025/ND-CP dated August 4, 2025, stipulating measures for managing, protecting, and promoting the value of world cultural and natural heritage, underwater cultural heritage, and intangible cultural heritage listed in UNESCO lists and the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, as well as policies for artisans and subjects of intangible cultural heritage. The Decree takes effect from September 2025. Under this decree, folk artisans and outstanding artisans will receive monthly living allowances, health insurance, and financial support when participating in activities related to preserving, training, and teaching their successors.
Folk artist Le Van Loi emotionally shared: “The most precious thing for an old artist like me is respect and recognition. If there were more supportive policies, it would be a joy, an encouragement, and also a motivation to continue passing on the craft to today's young generation.”
In reality, for many years, the preservation and promotion of intangible cultural heritage in Dong Nai has relied on the dedication of artisans and the support of the community. Many artisans have devoted money, time, and effort to opening classes and teaching for free. However, the new policy, effective from September 2025, will create conditions for these classes and clubs to be maintained and expanded.
We will support clubs and heritage practice groups.
Meritorious Artist Huynh Khai, former Head of the Department of Traditional Music at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, who has been involved with the traditional folk music movement in Dong Nai for over 10 years, said: Decree 215/2025/ND-CP not only addresses some of the difficulties in the lives of artisans, but also creates a legal framework and support mechanism for these heritage forms to be taught systematically and with a long-term plan.
Along with the stories of artisans "keeping the flame" of their craft alive, the new policy also encourages the community to work together to preserve heritage. Clubs and groups practicing intangible cultural heritage are supported in their establishment and operation when their establishment application is approved by the chairman of the People's Committee of the commune, ward, or special administrative region; and they have operating regulations that comply with the law and traditional customs. In particular, these clubs and groups are provided with funding upon establishment to purchase musical instruments, props for practice, and operating expenses.
Currently, Dong Nai has many clubs and groups specializing in traditional Vietnamese folk music such as đờn ca tài tử, đàn ca quan họ, hát xẩm, and lullabies, which have become familiar meeting places for heritage lovers. These groups mostly operate within the system of grassroots cultural institutions – places where artisans and young people meet, practice, exchange ideas, and create.
Ms. Hoang Thi Hai, a member of the Huong Que Club (Long Binh ward), said: "Previously, the club operated on a voluntary basis, with members contributing to a fund to maintain activities and participate in cultural and artistic events inside and outside the province. In the near future, when Government Decree 215/2025/ND-CP comes into effect, we hope the club will receive financial support to purchase costumes, musical instruments, and have a fixed meeting place. This will allow us to perform better for the local community."
My Ny
Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/van-hoa/202508/tiep-lua-tinh-yeu-di-san-van-hoa-phi-vat-the-79226a3/
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