Giving a boost to traditional art

(GLO) - Resolution No. 19/2026/NQ-HĐND, adopted by the Gia Lai Provincial People's Council on April 24, 2026 (effective from May 4, 2026), includes many specific support policies for traditional arts, expected to create more motivation for existing artists, artisans, and art troupes, and to build a successor generation.

Comprehensive support for a wide range of groups.

The support policies from Resolution No. 19/2026/NQ-HĐND of the Provincial People's Council (Resolution 19) create conditions for the art of traditional Vietnamese opera and folk singing to have more opportunities to preserve and promote their values.

Notably, Resolution 19 targets a wide range of audiences, from retired artists and artists working at public art institutions and private art troupes to students studying traditional Vietnamese opera and folk singing.

This demonstrates a comprehensive approach to preserving and promoting traditional artistic heritage, from the current performing arts community to future generations.

Many artists and artisans believe this is a "correct and effective" policy, given the numerous difficulties traditional art is facing in modern life.

People's Artist Xuan Hoi - former actor of the Dao Tan Traditional Opera Troupe (Provincial Traditional Arts Theater) shared: "The most encouraging thing is that Resolution 19 provides concrete support that is closely aligned with the actual situation. In particular, retired artists like us are given better opportunities to participate in teaching and performing."

The Phuoc An traditional opera troupe performs for the people of Nhon Hai coastal village (Quy Nhon Dong ward). Photo: NN

According to the Resolution, retired artists participating in rehearsals, performances, and teaching will receive support ranging from 180,000 to 800,000 VND per session, depending on the content and professional title. For those who have dedicated their lives to the stage, this is not simply material support but also a recognition of their professional value.

Not only veteran artists, but also non-governmental art troupes are excited about the new support mechanism. According to the Resolution, troupes that meet the operating conditions will receive a one-time support payment for purchasing costumes, props, sound, and lighting equipment, up to a maximum of 100 million VND per troupe; and will also receive annual performance funding up to a maximum of 30 million VND per troupe per year.

According to Meritorious Artist Minh Luong, head of the Nhon Hung traditional opera troupe (An Nhon Dong ward), only six amateur traditional opera troupes in Gia Lai province are currently operating, primarily driven by the artists' passion for the craft. These troupes are entirely self-sufficient in funding their operations, making their lives very difficult.

"With additional support, amateur traditional opera troupes will have the resources to invest in props, costumes, and stage equipment more professionally. More importantly, we artists will have more motivation to preserve our craft," Mr. Luong shared.

Addressing concerns about a shortage of successor talent.

For many years, the shortage of young actors to carry on the tradition has been a major concern for the Provincial Traditional Arts Theatre. Traditional Vietnamese opera and folk theater require long periods of rigorous training, while the income and career opportunities offered are not attractive enough for young people.

People's Artist Phuong Thao - former actress of the Dao Tan Traditional Opera Troupe (Provincial Traditional Arts Theater) said: "For the preservation of traditional arts to be effective, the most important thing is to help the heritage continue to live in community life."

This means that traditional Vietnamese opera and folk theater need an audience, students, artists, artisans to pass on their skills, and a regular environment for performance.”

Policies supporting the training and development of human resources in traditional arts are expected to create more motivation for young actors to pursue the profession. Photo: NN

Therefore, the policy of supporting living expenses for students studying acting, traditional opera, and folk singing is considered a key highlight of Resolution 19.

Accordingly, students residing in Gia Lai province who are studying related majors will receive a living allowance of 5 million VND per person per month, for a maximum of 10 months per academic year.

According to Mr. Nguyen Trong Quynh, Director of the Provincial Traditional Arts Theater, the unit has high expectations for policies supporting the training of successors. For many years, the theater has faced a shortage of young actors, especially actors and musicians in traditional Vietnamese opera.

Meanwhile, the current training program code for Tuong and Bai Choi folk art is no longer included in the culture and arts sector at Quy Nhon College of Technology.

“Now that Resolution 19 provides direct support to students, it will encourage more students to confidently pursue their studies. This is a very encouraging sign for the Provincial Traditional Arts Theater to collaborate with the Hue College of Culture and Arts to recruit students for Tuong and Bai Choi opera through a commissioned on-site training mechanism,” Mr. Quynh shared.

In addition to supporting trainees, Resolution 19 also stipulates a one-time support of 50 million VND for artists working at public art units who are sent for specialized training in traditional Vietnamese theater such as directors, scriptwriters, choreographers, sound and lighting technicians, etc. This policy is considered a solution to improve the quality of human resources for traditional theater in the new era.

It is clear that Resolution 19 has brought confidence and encouragement to the artists and artisans who are persistently preserving traditional theatrical arts.

Meritorious Artist Huynh Thi Kim Chung - an actress from the Phuoc An traditional opera troupe (Tuy Phuoc Tay commune) expressed: "When the team of artists and artisans are given attention, those learning traditional arts are supported, and amateur traditional opera troupes have more conditions to operate, then the 'precious heritage' left by our ancestors will find a younger generation to inherit."

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/tiep-suc-cho-nghe-thuat-truyen-thong-post587909.html