A ceremony announcing “Outstanding Literary and Artistic Works Created at Creative Spaces organised by the Centre for Supporting Literary and Artistic Creation, 2017–2022” was recently held at the Viet Nam Exhibition Centre for Culture and Arts at No.2 Hoa Lư Street, Hai Ba Trung ward, Ha Noi, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2). This was a culturally and politically significant event, helping to promote and disseminate works created at the Creative Spaces that embody positive content, artistic and ideological values, and a strong humanistic spirit.
The Centre for Supporting Literary and Artistic Creation, a public unit under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, was established in 1979 with the mission of organising and supporting creative activities for artists, encouraging creative talent, and fostering works of artistic, ideological and cultural value.
Between 2017 and 2022, the Centre collaborated with central and local literary and artistic associations, as well as units under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and certain armed forces bodies, to organise 338 general creative camps and 64 specialised creative trips at the Creative Spaces.
In five years, 5,555 artists participated, producing 19,157 works, including: 9,654 literary works; 1,936 fine art works; 4,311 photographs; 1,258 musical pieces; 455 theatrical works; 390 cinematic works; 81 architectural designs; 280 pieces of folk art; 447 works by ethnic minority artists; and 315 dance works.
According to reports from literary and artistic associations and camp organisers, 283 works created between 2017 and 2022 won prizes and certificates of merit.
Based on proposals from associations and organisers, 34 outstanding works from 2017–2022 were nominated for recognition. Beyond the impressive quantity, works created at the Creative Spaces during this period have affirmed their artistic value and influence in cultural life.
Many works carried fresh creative imprints, offering profound reflections on the realities of Viet Nam and its people in the era of renewal and integration. Literary works enriched the contemporary canon across diverse genres – novels, short stories, poetry and criticism – earning recognition from experts and readers alike.
In fine arts, photography, music, theatre and other fields, numerous works not only won prestigious awards at home but were also exhibited, performed or published abroad, presenting Viet Nam’s image to international audiences. The vitality of these works was further demonstrated by their reception among the public and media, contributing to cultural enrichment and the promotion of Vietnamese values.
According to Tran Ngoc Khoi, Acting Director of the Centre for Supporting Literary and Artistic Creation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, maintaining and developing the Writers’ Houses and creative camps reflects the Party and State’s attention to artists. Literature and the arts, he said, are always regarded as an essential domain of society, contributing to building Vietnamese culture and people in line with the country’s sustainable development goals.
In the course of our work, the Centre and the Creative Spaces have made substantial contributions to the cause of national literary and artistic development. Each year, we organise on average 60–70 creative camps and over 20 specialised creative trips, welcoming thousands of artists and producing tens of thousands of works across various disciplines. These works embody patriotism, humanity and national spirit, making a tangible contribution to building a healthy cultural life.
Tran Ngoc Khoi, Acting Director of the Centre for Supporting Literary and Artistic Creation
In the coming period, the Centre for Supporting Literary and Artistic Creation will continue striving to develop the network of Creative Spaces
into destinations for artists nationwide. The Centre has set out several key orientations, including maintaining the annual organisation of around 60 creative camps across all fields, and focusing on in-depth investment to support long-term projects and the creation of works of lasting value.
In addition, the Centre is stepping up the application of information technology and the digitisation of author and work data; holding biennial ceremonies to announce outstanding works and projects; working closely with literary and artistic associations on thematic orientation and improving artistic quality; strengthening international exchanges and cooperation; promoting works while introducing Vietnamese culture; and developing service activities in line with regulations to generate revenue for improving facilities and enhancing support for artists.
With the results achieved and clear strategic directions, the Centre for Supporting Literary and Artistic Creation continues to affirm its role as a trusted institution, nurturing and encouraging creative talent and making practical contributions to the development of Vietnamese literature and the arts.
