Providing further motivation for artisans in ethnic minority areas.

In 2019, Mr. A Le from Kon Chênh village (Măng Cành commune, Kon Plông district, Kon Tum province) happily received the title of Outstanding Artisan in the field of folk performing arts. At that time, he received approximately 13 million VND as "title money". However, he did not receive any further bonuses or subsidies afterward.

Artisan A Le's income comes meagerly from teaching gong playing or participating in cultural performances. As a member of the Xo Dang Mo Nam branch, Mr. A Le is very knowledgeable about gong playing techniques, playing the ta vau flute, and weaving. The resonant sound of the ta vau flute, harmonizing with the gong melodies, creates a unique and captivating atmosphere in the Mo Nam people's performances. Now over 70 years old, artisan A Le remains actively teaching gong playing to young people.

Similarly, village elder A Jring Đeng, of the Ba Na ethnic group (Jơ Lơng subgroup) in Kon Brăp Ju village (Tân Lập commune, Kon Rẫy district, Kon Tum province), was awarded the title of Outstanding Artisan in the intangible cultural heritage field in 2018. A highly experienced gong player, he remains dedicated to teaching gong playing to the younger generation under the roof of the village's communal house, without demanding any remuneration or fees.

In Akô Dhông village, Tân Lập ward, Buôn Ma Thuột city, Đắk Lắk province, artisan Ama H'Loan, nearly 90 years old, still diligently creates traditional Ê Đê musical instruments such as Đǐng buôt, Đǐng năm, and Đǐng tăk ta. As one of the few remaining artisans of traditional musical instruments in Đắk Lắk province, awarded the title of Outstanding Artisan in 2019, and knowledgeable in epic poetry and the tuning of gongs, his gong playing is no longer heard in traditional cultural spaces but is instead performed by the village's performing arts troupe to entertain tourists.

The meager fees from her performances are not commensurate with the dedication and contributions of Ama H'Loan to the preservation and safeguarding of intangible cultural values.

In reality, in remote and mountainous areas inhabited by ethnic minorities, cultural preservation faces numerous challenges, ranging from human resources to funding. State funding only provides partial support, while self-taught knowledge within the community is the primary means of preservation. Many localities can only offer short-term training courses, lasting about two weeks, to provide students with basic knowledge of intangible cultural heritage.

In the long run, the artisans themselves continue the work of collecting and teaching within the community. Artisans with titles or those honored by the community are wholeheartedly dedicated to teaching the knowledge and traditions of their ethnic culture. Despite limited or even no monetary rewards, driven by their deep respect for their ancestors' heritage and their enthusiasm, these artisans persevere in passing on their knowledge.

Furthermore, the artisans within the community are truly living dictionaries of the ethnic group's cultural and historical heritage; they are the link between the past and the present, binding the community together. Many artisans are respected figures, village elders who are trusted and valued by the community.

According to Lai Duc Dai, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Lak province, in addition to funding from the National Target Program for socio -economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the period 2021-2025 and the National Target Program on cultural development for the period 2025-2035, Dak Lak province will have additional resources to open classes for singing and reciting epic poems in the future.

In this process, the team directly responsible for teaching the tradition consists of the artisans who are currently preserving this heritage. The province will establish a mechanism to provide a salary for these epic storytellers, partially supporting their livelihoods and encouraging them to remain committed to preserving the value of the epics.

Following the adoption of the Law on Cultural Heritage in 2024 at the end of 2024, recently, in early January 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism organized a consultation on the Draft Decree stipulating policies for artisans and custodians of intangible cultural heritage. This includes provisions for a monthly living allowance for People's Artisans and Distinguished Artisans.

In addition, they will also receive a 100% subsidy on their health insurance premiums… in line with the current context. This draft is receiving attention from many artisans and cultural management agencies.

In the context of a dwindling number of artisans and heritage custodians, appropriate policies, incentives, and support will be a fitting recognition and honor for the role and talent of this core force in preserving and promoting national cultural identity.

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