Artisans in Nghe An are concerned about the criteria for selecting outstanding artisans.
"Outstanding Artisan" is a title bestowed by the State upon those who possess and practice cultural heritage; for them, it is a title to strive for throughout their lives, especially in the field of preserving and developing folk music. However, many concerns remain surrounding the awarding of this title.
Concerns from the grassroots level
Mr. Nguyen Trong Tam from Hung Tan commune (Hung Nguyen district) is recognized by the people and those working to preserve and promote the folk music heritage of Nghe An province for his many contributions. From a young age, Nguyen Trong Tam loved the melodies of Nghe An folk songs through the lullabies of his grandmother and mother, and these melodies accompanied him in his daily life, from play and work to production, on the village school stage, and in everyday performance spaces. He was the leader of the village and commune's performing arts group. Later, when the Hung Tan Folk Song Club was established, he led many training and activities; from staging to writing lyrics, from demonstrating to taking on leading roles in the programs. However, after nearly twenty years of such dedication, Mr. Tam remains only an artist in the hearts of the people. This is because, according to the regulations for awarding the title of "Outstanding Artist," he, as a district-level Fatherland Front official, was not allowed to submit an application, even though he met all the criteria.
In addition to commune-level cultural officials who are receiving civil servant salaries and are not eligible for the title of outstanding artisan, cultural officials trained in cultural and arts colleges or currently serving as commune-level cultural officials are also not eligible to apply for the title of outstanding artisan.
A prime example is Mr. Nguyen Thanh Ngan, a cultural officer in Hung Nguyen district. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Ngan is quite prominent in the field of preserving and promoting the values of Nghe An folk song heritage; he has guided commune-level artisans in Hung Nguyen to complete their applications for the title of "Outstanding Artisan." "Mr. Ngan personally guided the commune-level artisans to complete their applications. He imparted expertise and disseminated practical skills in preserving and maintaining the heritage...", a representative from the Hung Nguyen District Cultural, Sports and Communication Center stated. According to the leader of the Hung Nguyen District Cultural, Sports and Communication Center, cultural officers like Mr. Ngan are rare. They are the guardians of intangible cultural heritage and have a profound influence on the community.
Or take the example of Ms. Le Thi Nguyet from Kim Lien commune (Nam Dan district) - a district cultural officer who was trained at the College of Culture and Arts and returned to work in the local cultural movement in Nam Dan district, with the main task of guiding cultural and artistic movements and spreading the folk song heritage of Nghe An province.
For over 15 years, she has been dedicated to discovering and nurturing folk song talents, encouraging and promoting folk singing movements in villages and hamlets. She also directs and writes new lyrics for folk song programs, enabling them to participate in provincial and inter-provincial folk song festivals. Most recently, Ms. Nguyet also holds the position of Vice-Chairperson of the Huong Sen Club, with the responsibility of both directing and performing. Her club won third prize at the provincial level and second prize at the cluster level.
"If the artisans who are respected by the people and are also cultural officials are not given any recognition or titles like professional artists or outstanding artisans, it would be a great disadvantage for them," said Mr. Phan Van Tinh, Director of the Culture, Sports and Communication Center of Nam Dan district.
Should we expand the target audience?
According to Decree 93/2023/ND-CP, dated December 25, 2023, regulating the awarding of the title of artisan, individuals who are Vietnamese citizens possessing, practicing, transmitting, and promoting the value of intangible cultural heritage in the following categories: spoken and written language; folk literature; folk performing arts; social customs and beliefs; traditional festivals; folk knowledge; traditional crafts, etc., are eligible to receive this title.
Article 4 of this Decree also clearly states: The titles of "People's Artisan" and "Outstanding Artisan" in the field of intangible cultural heritage shall not be awarded to individuals who have received training at higher education or vocational education institutions in the type of intangible cultural heritage they possess, in order to acquire additional skills and expertise. The time an individual works and receives a salary from the State budget; the time an individual is away from practicing intangible cultural heritage in the community shall not be counted as time related to the protection and promotion of the value of intangible cultural heritage.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Ngan, a cultural officer at the Hung Nguyen District Cultural, Sports and Communication Center, said: “Previously, the process of completing the application for the title of 'Outstanding Artisan' was carried out according to Government Decree No. 62/2014/ND-CP: Regulations on awarding the titles of 'People's Artisan' and 'Outstanding Artisan' in the field of intangible cultural heritage. This Decree did not specify any limitations on eligible recipients; therefore, many people in the province were awarded this title after Decree 62 was issued.”
Responding to concerns from local authorities, Ms. Phan Thi Anh, Head of the Heritage Department of the Department of Culture and Sports, stated: "In my opinion, the fact that someone who holds and practices heritage is recognized by the people and all levels of government and receives a salary means that they have fulfilled their duties and have been paid by the state. Furthermore, when they take on the role of practicing and transmitting heritage, they have the conditions and environment to do their job, which is both a passion and a responsibility."
Ms. Phan Thi Anh also added: Before Decree 93/2023/ND-CP was issued to replace Decree 62/2014/ND-CP, some reputable individuals who held and practiced heritage and were still receiving salaries were considered for the title of "Outstanding Artisan." However, in my opinion, this still has some drawbacks. These artisans in the community operate based on their own talent, without any formal training, but driven by passion and a sense of mission. Many of them truly "work for the community without earning a living." They spend their own money to teach skills to the younger generation, but do not receive any financial support. Therefore, these artisans in the community are the ones who truly deserve to receive the allowances granted to outstanding artisans.
"The State also does not deny opportunities to those who are preserving and practicing heritage with many achievements and contributions but are currently receiving a salary to be considered for the title of outstanding artisan. Decree 93/2023/ND-CP clearly states: 'The time before and after receiving a salary will be accumulated, and if it reaches 15 years, they will be recognized as outstanding artisans.'"
Ms. Phan Thi Anh
Head of Heritage Department - Department of Culture and Sports
