Empowering and honoring those who keep the flame of heritage alive.

From September 2025, artisans – those who silently and tirelessly preserve and spread intangible cultural heritage – will officially benefit from a series of practical support policies under Government Decree 215/2025/ND-CP. This is considered a humane and timely step in the context of many forms of heritage gradually fading away and lacking successors.

Xoan singing artisans in Phu Tho strive to preserve the heritage in their daily lives. Photo: Nhat Truong.

A special joy for the artisan.

From September 17th onwards, Decree 215/2025/ND-CP will officially come into effect. This decree includes more practical adjustments, focusing on improving the material and spiritual lives of artisans, while also creating favorable conditions for them to teach, perform, and promote their culture.

For the first time, People's Artists and Distinguished Artists in the field of intangible cultural heritage will receive a monthly living allowance, have their health insurance fully covered by the State, and receive support for funeral expenses upon their death.

The policy pays special attention to artisans who are ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, from poor households, or living in remote areas, border regions, and islands – places that, despite economic difficulties, are rich in cultural identity.

Beyond supporting livelihoods, the Decree also provides funding for heritage preservation activities, training the next generation, and participation in performances and heritage promotion to the community. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, nearly 3,000 artisans nationwide will benefit from this policy.

Meritorious Artist Pham Chi Khanh – who has dedicated more than half a century to crafting traditional musical instruments – emotionally shared that this support policy is "a very special joy." For those who have quietly preserved their craft for their entire lives, like him, the attention from the State is not only material support but also a profound source of encouragement. "We don't expect anything grand; we just need to be recognized and supported. Even at our advanced age, this gives us more motivation to continue teaching, so that the younger generation can understand and love what belongs to our roots even more," he confided.

Expressing his joy and emotion upon learning about the new incentive policies expected to be implemented from September 2025, Meritorious Artisan Nguyen Tan Phat (lacquer sculpture artisan) shared: “With stable support, we will have more opportunities to create, experiment with new techniques, and at the same time preserve the original values ​​of the craft. I believe this policy will have a positive impact, especially in attracting young people. When the craft is respected and rewarded appropriately, young people will have more confidence and motivation to learn and stay committed in the long term.”

New impetus for preserving and promoting heritage values.

According to Do Van Cuong, Chairman of the Thiet Ung Traditional Woodcraft Village Association in Hanoi, many traditional craft villages are currently declining due to a lack of timely support and recognition. Artisans lack the resources to maintain their craft, and the younger generation is not enthusiastic about continuing it. Therefore, implementing timely and appropriate policies is not only an encouragement but also a way to create motivation and spread love and pride for traditional crafts.

Speaking with a reporter from Dai Doan Ket Newspaper, Associate Professor Pham Ngoc Trung – former Head of the Department of Culture and Development (Academy of Journalism and Communication) – said that the new Decree clearly demonstrates a more specific, thorough, and comprehensive approach to caring for artisans. The new policies are a driving force for artisans, giving them peace of mind and enthusiasm to continue contributing.

"Furthermore, this policy encourages successive generations of artisans, future artisans, to be more active, giving them the spiritual strength to continue contributing and seeking recognition; at the same time, it attracts more new talents. In other words, this Decree is a new impetus to expand the scope of participation in preserving and promoting the intangible cultural values ​​of the nation," emphasized Associate Professor Pham Ngoc Trung.

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/tiep-suc-va-ton-vinh-nguoi-giu-lua-di-san-10312766.html