Literature and art in the period of reform

BDK - Literary and artistic activities are formed and developed from the realities of life and the people's need for spiritual enjoyment. With the attention and guidance of the Party and government, local and national cultural and artistic activities have achieved great successes, positively impacting social development and making a significant contribution to the larger goal of building and developing an advanced Vietnamese culture rich in national identity.

The Cai Luong play "The Season of Falling Leaves" by the Ben Tre Cai Luong Art Troupe, performed before 2005. (Archival photo)

Promoting the development of a civilized lifestyle.

During the initial stages of the Party's reform process from 1986-1990 and 1990-1995, people's lives gradually stabilized, with a segment of the population experiencing improved material living standards and higher incomes due to capital, skills, and business acumen. The people's spiritual lives also gradually improved, with a richer and more diverse range of cultural and artistic enjoyment. Many households acquired televisions, cassette players, and radios, enabling them to access information on socio-economic issues and science and technology.

During this period, arts and culture focused on restoring and protecting traditional cultural forms, promoting the building of a cultured and civilized life, eradicating outdated customs, raising awareness of the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's laws and regulations, as well as educating about the traditions of the nation and homeland. The Nguyen Dinh Chieu Arts and Culture Association continuously organized numerous creative writing campaigns for various art and culture forms to participate in regional and national competitions.

Cultural and artistic management has been strengthened. The building of civilized lifestyles, cultured families, and new rural areas, linked with the people's self-governance movement at the commune and ward levels, continues to develop. Significant efforts and changes have been made in all areas, aiming to promote the role of people as both the driving force and the goal of the country's renewal process.

Poet Kim Ba - Chairman of the Nguyen Dinh Chieu Association of Literature and Arts, commented: Under the light of the Party's resolutions on culture and literature and arts, notably Resolution No. 5 of the 8th Central Committee "On building and developing an advanced Vietnamese literature imbued with national identity," Resolution No. 23-NQ/TW dated June 16, 2008 of the Politburo (10th term) "On continuing to build and develop literature and arts in the new era," and later Resolution No. 33-NQ/TW dated June 9, 2014 "On building and developing Vietnamese culture and people to meet the requirements of sustainable national development" of the 11th Central Committee of the Party, it has been shown that the Party always pays close attention to the development of the literary and artistic community and to the activities of local Literature and Arts Associations. This is also the essential foundation for the development of arts and culture in the right direction, "benefiting the nation and the people," avoiding, or more accurately, minimizing, erroneous, misguided, unrealistic, frivolous steps that fail to keep up with and support social progress – a valuable lesson learned from the history of revolutionary literature.

Training and developing artists

The training and development of artists in various fields has always been a priority. In 2002, the Provincial School of Culture and Arts was upgraded to the Ben Tre College of Culture and Arts. In addition to intermediate-level training, the school also collaborates with other cultural and arts schools in Ho Chi Minh City, such as the University of Fine Arts, the City Conservatory of Music, and the University of Culture, offering 4-5 year teacher training programs.

Artist Truong Cham, a member of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, stated: "During this period, the university-level fine arts teacher training program has completed three courses, with over 100 graduates earning Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. These graduates have been assigned to teach at primary and secondary schools, as well as to work at cultural centers in districts, towns, and wards. This is the largest group in the Mekong Delta region. This group has contributed over 35 members to the Ben Tre Fine Arts Branch and 12 members to the Vietnam Fine Arts Association. Members of the Ben Tre Fine Arts Branch participate in national exhibitions in the Mekong Delta region, with an average of around 20 artists participating each year, consistently winning numerous awards, including third place and above."

"I am very happy and proud that my students have received awards in regional and national art competitions, performances, and exhibitions. This is a shared achievement of Ben Tre's art scene, contributing to the overall achievements of the province's 50-year history of art," artist Truong Cham said emotionally.

The field of music also received attention and training. Composer Quoc Nam, a member of the Vietnam Musicians Association, stated that in 1980, the Party and State selected dedicated and talented artists for formal training. Notable examples in the field of music included composers Lan Phong, Quoc Nam, Xuan Hoa, and singers Huyen Nhi and Thanh Thuy, who were sent to study composition and vocal music at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music. Through this training, the generation of artists who matured during the resistance war became more professionally competent, continuing to create many works that met the demands of the new society and encouraged the people to participate in building and developing the country.

Having been involved in literary activities for over 30 years, writer Nguyen Thao Nguyen stated: “In my opinion, the advantages of arts and culture, including literature, in the recent period stem from the support of the Vietnam Union of Arts and Culture Associations, the favorable conditions created by the Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People's Committee, as well as various departments and agencies, and the enthusiastic, attentive, and practical guidance from the association's leadership for the activities of the Literature Branch. Funding for literature has been implemented appropriately, creating momentum for development. The efforts of the members, specifically organizing writing camps, printing publications of members' works, and regularly publishing the Ham Luong Literature and Arts magazine, have helped members promote their works. Some members have participated in national-level writing camps; this exchange has contributed to further developing the writing skills and confidence of the members.”

The Nguyen Dinh Chieu Association of Literature and Arts has over 300 members, including nearly 100 members at the central level, along with non-professional collaborators working in various fields of literature and art. This association essentially meets the needs of the people and the requirements of the Party and the State. Under the leadership of the Party, artists and writers are always enthusiastic, working closely with the people to create works that satisfy the artistic tastes of the masses.

Text and photos: Thanh Dong

Source: https://baodongkhoi.vn/van-hoc-nghe-thuat-trong-thoi-ky-doi-moi-21032025-a144009.html