Vietnam Artistic Photographers’ Association celebrates 50th anniversary

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Vuong Duy Bien has asked members of the Vietnam Artistic Photographers’ Association (VAPA) to make continued efforts to produce more works of high value in content, thought and creativity, contributing to severing the national construction and defence cause and meeting the increasing public demand for cultural satisfaction.

Outstanding members of the VAPA were presented with the insignia “For the Cause of Culture, Sports and Tourism”. (Credit: VNA)
Outstanding members of the VAPA were presented with the insignia “For the Cause of Culture, Sports and Tourism”. (Credit: VNA)

Addressing the 50th anniversary of the VAPA (December 8, 1965-2015) in Hanoi on December 6, the deputy minister extended his congratulations to VAPA artists and members across the country, while recognising that over the past half-century, Vietnamese photography has told historical stories about Vietnam’s revolution through precious collections of photos, with many artistic photography works leaving impressions in the hearts of both the domestic public and international friends.

The VAPA has made superior progresses over the past 50 years, affirming its role in the country’s socio-cultural life and demonstrating that the talent of Vietnamese artists is on par with international friends, Bien added.

Since its debut in 1965, the VAPA has developed from 70 members to nearly 1,000 members in 80 branches throughout the country. The association has regularly organised artistic photo festivals in eight regions nationwide, 28 national artistic photo exhibitions and eight international artistic photography contests. In addition, the VAPA also patrionises and helps provinces and ministries to hold 40-50 photo contests and exhibitions each year.

As a member of the International Federation of Artistic Photography (FIAP), the VAPA has regularly joined international activities, notably including the successful organisation of the 30th FIAP Congress in Hanoi with the participation of 250 exemplary artists from 40 countries and territories around the world.

For those achievements, the VAPA was honoured with many noble rewards from the Party and State. Twenty-six members of the association received the Ho Chi Minh Award and the State Award for Literature and the Arts.

On the occasion, 20 outstanding members of the VAPA were presented with the insignia “For the Cause of Culture, Sports and Tourism”.