It was reported at the meeting that during the past 40 years, particularly 20 years of implementing the Doi Moi (Renewal) process, generations of leaders and staff of the association have researched, collected and disseminated folk art from the 54 ethnic groups to help Vietnamese people and international friends further understand the ethnic diversity of the nation.

The organisation now has more than 1,100 members, of whom 10 have been honoured with the Ho Chi Minh Prize and 35 others with the State Prize. It also conferred the title Folk Artisan on 100 artists for their contributions to preserving and handing down cultural values to younger generations.

In the coming years, the association aims to make an inventory appraisal of folk art heritage, select typical genres for preservation and development and continue to confer the title on outstanding artisans.   

In her address, State Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan said the Ho Chi Minh Order acknowledged the association’s contributions to preserving and developing folk art values, particularly cultural heritage at a high risk of dying out, to promote these values in present-day life.

“In the current context of international integration and cultural exchanges, the preservation and development of traditional cultural heritage has received special care from the Party and State, as cultural identity is one of the important factors behind sustainable development,” said Mrs Doan. “We integrate to learn from global civilisations, but not to let decadent cultures penetrate the country and go against traditional cultural values.”