Vietnamese culture promoted in France through exhibitions and workshops at schools

A programme entitled “Toucher Arts” was held at the Carré International Cultural Centre in Saint Herblain (France) on June 23-24, aiming to promote Vietnamese culture to French public.
Children in France experience wearing Ao Dai and "mua sap" (cheraw dance). (Photo courtesy of Art Space Association).
Children in France experience wearing Ao Dai and "mua sap" (cheraw dance). (Photo courtesy of Art Space Association).

The event introduced a collection of paintings named "Connections” by Vietnamese children, along with others in 20 countries around the world, in response to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic ties and a collection of photos about the ancient city of Hoi An by young artist Thao Nguyen.

Driss Saïd, Deputy Mayor of Saint Herblain (leftmost) took a photo with Hoang Thu Trang, Head of the Organising Committee (second left) and guests at the event.

Driss Saïd, Deputy Mayor of Saint Herblain (leftmost) took a photo with Hoang Thu Trang, Head of the Organising Committee (second left) and guests at the event.

The exhibition has attracted a large number of French people to visit and admire the collections of paintings and photos on display as well as participate in interesting workshops to learn about Vietnamese culture.

Vietnam's 'banh chung' (square glutinous rice cake) introduced to French children.

Vietnam's 'banh chung' (square glutinous rice cake) introduced to French children.

The "Toucher Arts" programme also consisted of a series of seminars, concerts and exhibitions on Vietnamese culture at schools in many cities across France in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic ties as well as the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

A French child excitedly plays the T'rung (bamboo xylophone).

A French child excitedly plays the T'rung (bamboo xylophone).

In addition, under the programme, many workshops were to explore Vietnamese culture at four primary and secondary schools in the French cities of Nantes and Saint Herblain.

All activities of the “Toucher Arts” programme not only contributed to spreading Vietnamese culture to the world but also raised funds to help children with disabilities in Vietnam.

Children watching 'mua lan' (dragon dance)

Children watching 'mua lan' (dragon dance)

Hundreds of French students have experienced folk games such as cheraw dance and lion dance as well as learned more about Vietnamese childhood toys such as drums, star lanterns and bamboo dragonflies and traditional festivals of Vietnam.

At the exhibition “Connections”

At the exhibition “Connections”

Driss Saïd, Deputy Mayor of Saint Herblain city said he has been always very excited to attend the activities held by the Art Space Association, especially those focusing on promoting the friendship between Vietnam and France.

Children learning how to decorate bamboo mats.

Children learning how to decorate bamboo mats.

“Toucher Arts” was organised by Art Space Association, in collaboration with Vietnam Bretagne Sud Association and APPEL Lorient Association, featuring the participation of 25 Vietnamese students from the US, UK, Australia, Vietnam, and France.

NDO