Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts - A journey of more than three decades

Amidst the relentless flow of the digital age, where information is pouring in every moment, every hour, there are still enduring “addresses” that preserve and spread profound values ​​of culture and art. Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts Magazine is such an address. From a fledgling 8-page newspaper more than three decades ago, up to now, Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts has established its own position in the country’s literature and arts journalism community. It is a journey of a group of passionate, dedicated and constantly innovating people.

Staff and reporters of the literary magazine at the launch of the new interface of the Electronic Literature Magazine and the summary of the 2021-2023 essay contest.

The third local literary weekly in the country

If 1991 is considered the official milestone of the establishment of Bac Thai Literature and Arts Newspaper (the predecessor of the current Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts Magazine), then in fact, the first green shoots sprouted in 1988, when the Bac Thai Province Literature and Arts Association published the first issue of the Literature and Arts magazine. At that time, everything was still very rudimentary: the newspaper was printed at Bac Thai Printing Enterprise, the circulation was small, the journalism team could be counted on the fingers, the equipment was an old typewriter and an old motorbike for distribution. But it was from those difficult early days that a very special spirit of journalism was formed: journalism with a love of literature, with passion, with the steadfast pursuit of artistic values ​​in life. That was the foundation that helped the newspaper gradually grow.

From 8 pages/month in the early years, the newspaper increased to 2 issues per month, then 3 issues per month. Notably, from October 2014, Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts became a weekly newspaper, making Thai Nguyen the third locality in the country to have a weekly literature and arts newspaper (after Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), marking an important step forward, affirming the position and quality of the newspaper.

To achieve such results, it is indispensable to have a strong orientation when choosing “quality is the key”. Right from the time it was still Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts Newspaper, the editorial board has chosen a clear orientation: the quality of the work is the top criterion, not focusing on “whose work”, inside or outside the province. This is not an easy choice, because it can make some members of the Association and in the province feel “disadvantaged” because it is not published regularly. However, the determination to maintain that criterion has created a unique identity for Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts, a specialized but not closed newspaper, a place to gather high-quality works, not just a place to publish internal compositions.

In addition to pure literature and art, the Editorial Board has also boldly expanded the scope of content, publishing many articles and reports on issues of people's livelihood, environment, policies, rural life, ethnic minority areas... with a humane, profound voice and many times with positive social criticism. This approach not only makes Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts closer to life, but also contributes to the attractiveness and love of readers inside and outside the province.

With the motto of Humanity - Intelligence - Development, Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts Magazine has been, is and will continue to be steadfast in its mission of serving readers with works rich in profound thoughts, carrying the breath of life and shining with cultural and artistic values. These three factors are not only the guiding principle for all activities of the editorial office, but also the foundation for the magazine to inspire creativity, enhance knowledge and spread the beauty of humanity in every word.

Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts Magazine conducts an online discussion program.

Created by a lean team

In early 2021, implementing the National Press Development and Management Plan until 2025 approved by the Prime Minister , Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts Newspaper officially transformed into Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts Magazine, and at the same time, Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts Magazine online was also licensed and officially put into operation. This is a strategic step in the context of the Press Plan being implemented nationwide, requiring local press agencies to renew themselves to survive and develop.

From a simple print weekly, Van Nghe Thai Nguyen has now entered the multimedia “playground” with the appearance of Video, Audio, Emagazine, Podcast, Infographic… sections. The dynamism and creativity in the way of journalism has helped the magazine retain old readers and reach many new readers, especially young readers. Behind this innovation is a small but dedicated team. With only 6 official members and some part-time members, Van Nghe Thai Nguyen still operates effectively thanks to the teamwork model, technology application and widespread collaborators.

From that foundation, a streamlined but flexible and creative apparatus, Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts has steadily stepped forward on its journey of more than three decades. Overcoming initial difficulties, the magazine has gradually grown in hardship, overcome challenges, and always set the goal of serving readers with literary, artistic, and journalistic works of intellectual and ideological depth. It is also the place that marks the first creations of many young writers; an intellectual forum for cultural researchers; a door that opens up issues of public concern to society through the lens of literature and humanities...

Another highlight that creates the lasting vitality of Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts is the way the editorial office constantly initiates and organizes meaningful journalism and literature "playgrounds". Typical contests such as: Writing contest on the topic of Tam Nong, "Reading from the heart", "Me and Thai Nguyen", "Notebook - Reportage" have truly left a beautiful impression on the public...

In particular, the “Storytelling - Reportage” contest is a gathering place for experienced writers, contributing to the construction of the socio-economic picture of Thai Nguyen with a unique writing style, rich in depth and not lacking in social criticism. These contests not only create a rich source of articles but also connect readers, nurture and discover many new talents. Such creations not only help Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts preserve traditional values, but also flexibly adapt to the pulse of the times.

In the 100-year flow of Vietnam's revolutionary press, Thai Nguyen Literature and Arts Magazine is like a river branch with its own unique flavor. A quiet river branch that always knows how to nurture the flow of culture, spirit and belief in words to move towards the values ​​of truth - goodness - beauty.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202506/van-nghe-thai-nguyen-hanh-trinh-hon-ba-thap-ky-bb2067a/