Literature and arts of ethnic minority communities form an important part of Viet Nam’s unified yet diverse cultural landscape, with values shaped and passed down through generations. Amid changes in social life and cultural consumption, preserving and promoting these values requires closer links between creative work, research and community life, helping safeguard cultural identities while giving traditional values renewed vitality.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Nong Quoc Binh, Chairman of the association for the 2019-2024 term, said ethnic minority literature and arts have developed alongside the country’s achievements in socio-economic development, national defence and security, culture and social welfare. He noted that improvements in the lives of ethnic minority and mountainous communities have created favourable conditions for artists to reflect their lives, aspirations and distinctive cultural values.
During the 2019-2024 term, despite difficulties caused by natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, the association organised more than 30 creative camps involving over 630 participations, as well as field trips to various localities. Nearly 500 awards at different levels were presented to ethnic minority artists and authors.
The association also stepped up research, collection and preservation of traditional cultural values, while organising numerous conferences and seminars. Some authors produced bilingual works, helping bring ethnic minority voices and cultural identities closer to the public.
The report also highlighted shortcomings, including an uneven distribution of artists, a shortage of young practitioners in some fields, limited field-based creative activities and a lack of works with strong artistic value and broad reach. Writing in ethnic minority languages and the use of digital technology also remain limited.
For the 2026-2031 term, the association will focus on developing young talent, encouraging fieldwork and writing in ethnic minority languages, preserving traditional cultural values, improving the quality and reach of works, and expanding the use of digital platforms to bring ethnic minority literature and arts closer to contemporary audiences.
The Congress elected an 18-member Executive Committee. Photographer Ma The Anh, Director of the Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition, was elected Chairman of the association.
