Adding motivation to artisans in ethnic minority areas

In 2019, Kon Chênh (Mang Canh commune, Kon Plong district, 2019, Mr. A Le in Kon Tum province) happily received the title of Meritorious Artisan in the field of folk performing arts. At that time, he received about 13 million VND in "title money". However, he later did not receive any other bonuses or subsidies.

Artisan A Le's income is quite small from teaching gongs or participating in art performances. As a Xo Dang of the Mo Nam branch, Mr. A Le is very knowledgeable about gong techniques, playing ta vau flutes and weaving. In particular, the sound emitted from the ta vau flute resonates, blending with the gong melody, creating a unique appeal and nuance in the performances of the Mo Nam people. This year, over 70 years old, artist A Le is still actively teaching gongs to the young generation.

Similarly, village elder A Jring Deng, Ba Na ethnic group (Jo Long group) in Kon Brap Ju village (Tan Lap commune, Kon Ray district, Kon Tum province) was awarded the title of Meritorious Artisan in the intangible field in 2018. As a person with rich experience in gong techniques, under the communal house roof of the village, he still devoted himself to teaching gong playing to the younger generation without asking for any remuneration or funding.

In Ako Dhong village, Tan Lap ward, Buon Ma Thuot city, Dak Lak province, artisan Ama H'Loan is nearly 90 years old this year but still diligently makes traditional musical instruments of the Ede people, such as: Dong buot, Dong nam, Dong tak ta. As one of the remaining artisans making traditional musical instruments in the whole Dak Lak province, he was awarded the title of Meritorious Artisan in 2019, knowledgeable about epics, tuning gongs, but now his gong beats no longer resound in the traditional cultural space but join the village's art troupe to serve tourists.

The small remuneration from the performances is not commensurate with the dedication and contribution of elder Ama H'Loan in the work of preserving and maintaining intangible cultural values.

In fact, in remote and ethnic minority areas, cultural preservation work faces many difficulties from human resources to funding. State funding only partially supports, while self-teaching within the community is the main work. Many localities can only open short-term teaching classes of about two weeks for students to access basic knowledge of intangible cultural heritage.

In the long run, the artisans themselves continue to collect and teach within the community. Artisans who have titles or are honored by the community are dedicated to teaching the knowledge and understanding of their ethnic culture. Although the rewards are limited, or even without remuneration, with a heart that cherishes the heritage of their ancestors and enthusiasm, the artisans still persistently pass on.

Furthermore, the artisans in the community are truly a living dictionary of the ethnic culture and history; a link between the past and the present, uniting the community. Many artisans are prestigious people, village elders trusted and respected by the community.

According to Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Lak province Lai Duc Dai, in addition to funding from the National Target Program on Socio -Economic Development of Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for the 2021-2025 period and the National Target Program on Cultural Development for the 2025-2035 period, in the coming time, Dak Lak province will have more resources to open epic singing classes.

The team directly teaching the heritage are the artisans who are holding this heritage. The province will build a mechanism for the artisans who sing and recite the epic to receive a salary, partly supporting their lives and encouraging them to stick with the work of preserving the value of the epic.

After the Law on Cultural Heritage 2024 was passed in late 2024, recently, in early January 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism organized a consultation on the Draft Decree regulating policies for artisans and subjects of intangible cultural heritage. In which, the monthly living allowance for People's Artisans and Meritorious Artisans is stipulated.

In addition, they are also entitled to 100% subsidy on health insurance premiums... suitable for the actual context. This draft is receiving attention from many artists and cultural management agencies.

In the context of the decreasing number of artisans and heritage owners, appropriate policies, treatment and support will be a worthy recognition and honor for the role and talent of this core force in the work of preserving and promoting national cultural identity.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/tiep-them-dong-luc-cho-nghe-nhan-post869449.html