Dr. Nguyen Van Dung, poet and Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial Association of Literature and Arts, answers an interview.
- Sir! It can be affirmed that, accompanying the long journey of history and following the literary and artistic trends of the whole country, the literature and art of Quang Tri have marked significant milestones, contributing to shaping the image of this land of the Mai River and Han River, a land of outstanding people and rich history. Could you please summarize the positive contributions of the Quang Tri Literature and Arts Association and the team of artists and writers to the development of Quang Tri province from the re-establishment of the province (July 1989) to the present day?
- After the province was re-established in 1989, the Provincial Association of Literature and Arts was founded according to Decision No. 708/QD-UB dated November 18, 1992, of the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee. As a political , social, and professional organization, the association became a "common home" for creative workers in literature and arts who voluntarily strive for the goal of a prosperous people, a strong nation, democracy, fairness, and civilization; and for an advanced culture rich in national identity. On the one hand, the Association of Literature and Arts always prioritizes the task of gathering a team of writers and artists to undertake the noble mission of serving the Fatherland, the People, and the revolution under the glorious banner of the Party.
On the other hand, the association regularly organizes creative activities, performances, exhibitions, and research on arts and culture, along with training and capacity building in specialized fields for its members. The association focuses on supporting in-depth investment to stimulate the creative potential of active artists and writers. It consistently encourages the movement both broadly and deeply through field trips, creative camps, and continuously seeks out and discovers new creators and promising young writers to join the association.
Opening Ceremony of the Arts and Literature Creative Camp jointly organized by the Center for Supporting Arts and Literature Creation and the Quang Tri Provincial Association of Arts and Literature in Vung Tau City, September 2023 - Photo: D.T.
A noteworthy example of the vibrant cultural landscape of the province is the establishment of Cửa Việt Magazine, under the Provincial Association of Literature and Arts. Cửa Việt Magazine has become the official forum of the Quang Tri Literature and Arts Association, a breeding ground for many creative talents from the homeland. The magazine also serves the function of collecting, researching, and introducing the cultural identity of Quang Tri to readers nationwide and internationally.
The VNS Quang Tri team has grown stronger and more mature. From a mere dozen members during the anti-French resistance, it now boasts 252 members, including 82 members from central-level specialized branches. Names previously known nationwide and internationally, such as poet Che Lan Vien, People's Artist Chau Loan, musician Tran Hoan, and Meritorious Artist Tan Nhan, have now been replaced by many other talented individuals beloved throughout the country.
In particular, the Quang Tri Association of Literature and Arts throughout its history has been honored with the late writer Xuan Duc, who was awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize by the President of Vietnam, and four members who received the State Prize for Literature and Arts: writer Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong; poet Le Thi May; photographer Si So; and painter Trinh Hoang Tan. The Association has also had two members awarded the prestigious title of People's Artist by the State: Xuan Dam and Kim Quy, and nine Meritorious Artists and eight Meritorious Artisans.
In addition, the Association of Literature and Arts also has outstanding artists who have made significant contributions such as: musician Le Anh, the late sculptor Ho Uong, the late musician Le Quang Nghe, the late Meritorious Artist Ai Chung, the late Meritorious Artist Sy Cu, the late writer Cao Hanh...
The achievements of the Quang Tri Association of Literature and Arts over the years have been recognized and highly appreciated by the Party, the State, and the leaders of Quang Tri province, receiving the Third-Class Labor Medal; the Government's excellent emulation flag; and numerous commendations from the Vietnam Union of Associations of Literature and Arts and the People's Committee of Quang Tri province...
- To contribute positively to the development of the country's and Quang Tri's culture and arts, could you please tell us about the outstanding achievements of the Quang Tri Association of Culture and Arts in recent years, especially from 2015 to the present?
- It can be affirmed that the activities of the Quang Tri Association of Literature and Arts in recent years, especially from 2015 to the present, have been very effective. The most outstanding result is the continuous organization of creative camps and competitions to promote literary and artistic works. On average, the Association of Literature and Arts organizes 4-5 creative camps at the grassroots level each year.
The creative workshops are all linked to political events, anniversaries, and important movements of the country, hometown, and localities, agencies, and units within the province. Alongside creative work, the Association of Literature and Arts also collaborates with local organizations in promoting and publicizing works through various forms such as releasing music CDs, publishing books, organizing art photography exhibitions, fine art and architecture exhibitions, and developing cultural programs featuring selected works from the workshops... to serve the public.
Another notable activity is that from 2015 to the present, the Quang Tri Association of Literature and Arts has advised and proposed to the provincial leadership to allow the organization of many competitions for creating and promoting literary and artistic works on various important themes and events. These competitions have been meticulously organized, attracting a large number of writers and amateur authors from the province and across the country, resulting in thousands of high-quality works in terms of ideological content and artistic value, serving a wide audience and contributing to the socio-economic development of the homeland and the country.
Studying and following the thoughts, ethics, and style of President Ho Chi Minh is a major, important, and all-encompassing theme, not only for the Vietnam Writers Association of Quang Tri but also for all levels, sectors, localities, and social strata. Since the central government's directive, the Quang Tri Association of Literature and Arts has proactively advised, proposed, and the Quang Tri Provincial Party Committee agreed to organize competitions in the period before 2015, achieving very high results. The Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee awarded dozens of prizes to outstanding works.
From 2015 to the present, the Provincial Association of Literature and Arts has proactively proposed and been assigned by the provincial leadership to organize three competitions on this theme. After three competitions for creating and promoting literary and artistic works on the theme "Studying and following the thoughts, ethics, and style of Ho Chi Minh," the Organizing Committee has received 312 works from 145 authors and co-authors.
The Organizing Committee awarded prizes to 94 authors with outstanding works, including 14 authors who won the A prize. The Provincial Association of Literature and Arts selected 67 outstanding works to be submitted to the Quang Tri Provincial Party Committee's Preliminary Judging Panel for consideration and presentation to the Central Final Judging Panel. The Central Steering Committee of the competition awarded prizes in 4 rounds (2015, 2018, 2020, and 2023). Quang Tri province achieved high results compared to other provinces in the North Central and Central Highlands regions with 7 B prizes, 11 C prizes, and 6 Encouragement prizes. Currently, the Provincial Association of Literature and Arts is actively implementing this important competition for the 2023-2025 period.
The literary and artistic creation contest on the theme "General Secretary Le Duẩn with the Vietnamese Revolution and his homeland of Quang Tri," directed by the Standing Committee of the Quang Tri Provincial Party Committee to commemorate the 110th anniversary of General Secretary Le Duẩn's birth on April 7th (1907-2017), attracted a large number of artists and people in the area. The Organizing Committee received 60 entries and selected 28 outstanding works for awards, including 6 A prizes, 8 C prizes, and 10 Consolation prizes.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Quang Tri province, the Provincial Association of Literature and Arts proposed and advised the Provincial People's Committee to organize a literary and artistic creation contest on the theme "Quang Tri - 50 Years of Construction, Innovation and Development". The contest attracted a large number of authors from within and outside the province, with 239 entries.
The Organizing Committee awarded 29 prizes to outstanding works (5 A prizes, 10 B prizes, 14 C prizes). The 2023 songwriting competition on the theme "Quang Tri - Faith and Aspiration" attracted 106 musicians nationwide who submitted 142 entries. The Organizing Committee awarded 17 prizes (1 First Prize, 2 Second Prizes, 4 Third Prizes, and 10 Consolation Prizes).
To create mechanisms and policies to encourage and motivate artists to create high-quality works, the Provincial People's Committee has issued regulations for the Che Lan Vien Literature and Arts Award in Quang Tri province (held every 5 years). Through two award ceremonies (2015 and 2020), the Provincial People's Committee has awarded 60 prizes to outstanding works. Each year, the Provincial Association of Literature and Arts submits an average of 20-27 outstanding literary and artistic works to the Provincial People's Committee for consideration. The winning works are then selected by the Association and sent to the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations and central specialized agencies for consideration and awarding of dozens of prizes annually.
Furthermore, the Provincial Association of Literature and Arts has directed the Cua Viet Magazine to organize numerous poetry, short story, and essay writing competitions on various themes. Particularly noteworthy was the essay and short story writing competition on the theme "Land and People of Quang Tri," held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the province's re-establishment on July 1st (1989-2019) and the 300th issue of Cua Viet Magazine. This competition attracted 256 entries from 109 authors from Quang Tri and across the country. The Organizing Committee awarded prizes to 22 authors with outstanding works, including 2 first prizes, 4 second prizes, 6 third prizes, and 10 consolation prizes.
- In the coming years, armed with a wealth of experience and a spirit of innovation and creativity, what solutions will the Quang Tri Association of Literature and Arts implement to continue accompanying and promoting the renewal of Quang Tri province, and making positive contributions to the national literature and arts, sir?
- First and foremost, the Quang Tri Association of Literature and Arts will continue to promote political and ideological education, thoroughly instilling in its members the Party's views on literature and arts in the new situation. It will also strengthen the training and development of political acumen, creative capacity, and professional ethics for its members.
To encourage and motivate members to create works of high ideological, moral, and artistic value, imbued with the values of truth, goodness, and beauty; works that are profound, provide direction, predict, and vividly reflect life, meeting the diverse cultural and spiritual needs of all strata of people in the province and contributing to the national cultural and artistic cause.
The VNS team needs to be proactive, resourceful, perceptive, and creative in effectively organizing activities for creating and promoting works of art and literature; actively participate in creating valuable works that praise our country, homeland, and heroic people; create many high-quality works containing content and artistry that uphold the spirit of innovation, integration, socio-economic development, and the firm protection of the Fatherland.
Particular attention should be paid to exploring the theme of "Studying and following the thoughts, ethics, and style of Ho Chi Minh"; fulfilling political tasks and achievements in socio-economic development and ensuring national defense and security; the theme of the land and people of Quang Tri; actively participating in the task of protecting the Party's ideological foundation and combating erroneous and hostile viewpoints. Emphasis should be placed on preserving high-level cultural and artistic heritage; paying more attention to the field of literary criticism; and the arts and culture of ethnic minorities and folk arts...
For the arts and literature to flourish both in quantity and quality of creation, with many works resonating with readers, the Quang Tri Writers Association requires greater effort, determination, and enthusiasm. The Standing Committee of the Association should learn from experience and create a transparent and open creative space so that members have the conditions and opportunities to create in a way that suits their strengths and creative abilities.
Not only does the province coordinate with local authorities, agencies, and departments to organize creative camps on important themes at appropriate times, but it also continuously organizes literary and artistic creation competitions on various themes.
At the same time, the association organizes professional exchanges with arts and culture associations in other provinces and cities to learn from each other and improve their skills and expertise; it also organizes field trips and research visits to facilities within and outside the province to gather necessary information and materials for research and creative work. It proactively proposes and organizes for its members to participate in creative camps, training courses, and professional development programs organized by central agencies...
We propose that provincial leaders pay attention to and provide timely and effective guidance and policies for the development of culture and arts in all aspects, in accordance with the spirit of Resolution No. 33-NQ/TW dated June 9, 2014, of the Central Committee (11th term) on "Continuing to build and develop Vietnamese culture and people to meet the requirements of sustainable national development"; 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 situation"; and the policies concluded at the National Culture Conference held on November 21, 2021.
Focus on developing and promptly implementing the Regulations on expenditure support for the creation of literary and artistic works and projects for the period 2021-2025. Maintain activities that attract a large number of members to participate in creating literary and artistic works to serve important events of the homeland and the country, while also investing in a targeted, in-depth approach to a number of artists capable of creating works of significant stature with high ideological content and artistic value to serve the development and renewal of the homeland and the country. Pay more attention to developing areas of art and literary and artistic theory and criticism that are currently underdeveloped.
We are committed to strengthening and developing Cửa Việt Magazine in terms of both organizational structure and content quality, showcasing the artistic value and distinct identity of the Quảng Trị region, so that it can gain an increasingly firm foothold in the hearts of readers and be loved and accepted by the public.
Thank you, sir!
Dan Tam (compiled)
Source
Comment (0)