“Igniting” the love for intangible cultural heritage

Dong Nai is one of the localities possessing a rich collection of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). These heritages have been and are being preserved and practiced by artisans and local communities, contributing to safeguarding and promoting their value in contemporary life.

Starting from September 2025, when the government’s new policies for artisans and bearers of ICH take effect, artisans, heritage clubs, and practice groups will not only receive material support but also gain motivation to continue their journey of preservation and “passing the flame” to future generations.

Helping artisans “keep the flame” of the craft alive

Folk artisan Le Van Loi (resident of Tran Bien ward) has been devoted to Don ca tai tu in Dong Nai for five decades. Born into a musically inclined family, he developed an early passion for the moon-shaped lute, two-stringed fiddle, two-stringed lute, and the lyrical Vong co melodies. Now in his eighties, his hands are calloused, and his eyesight has dimmed, yet whenever his fingers touch the strings, it is as if his youth, memories, and passion are rekindled, resonating through each note.

Since 1975, artisan Le Van Loi has traveled across hamlets and neighborhoods within and beyond the province, participating in community activities and teaching Don ca tai tu and Cai luong “techniques” to enthusiasts. In recent years, declining health and difficult livelihood have made him consider “hanging up his lutes” many times. However, his love for Don ca tai tu, together with encouragement from his students and art lovers, has kept him in the craft.

Folk artisan PHAM LO, Head of the Dong Nai Province Don ca tai tu club, shared: “Preserving ICH is not only about safeguarding an art form, but also about keeping alive the soul and identity of the land. When that “flame” is fueled by policies and community support, the heritage will continue to spread, becoming a string connecting generations, so that Tai tu songs, folk melodies, customs, and traditional festivals will live forever.”

In 2025, artisan Le Van Loi, together with many other Dong Nai artisans such as Pham Lo (Tran Bien Ward), Pham Thi Linh (Phu Nghia Commune), Vu Thi Thien (Dong Phu Commune), Tran Van Hung (Long Hung Ward), and Nguyen Thi Phung (An Phuoc Commune), was nominated for the title of “Excellent Artisan” in the field of intangible cultural heritage. Many of their nomination dossiers have been approved by the Provincial Awards Council and submitted to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Most recently, on August 4, 2025, government issued Decree No. 215/2025/NĐ-CP stipulating measures for the management, protection, and promotion of the value of world cultural and natural heritage, underwater cultural heritage, ICH in UNESCO lists, and the National List of ICH, as well as policies for artisans and bearers of ICH. The decree takes effect in September 2025. Among these, People’s Artisans and Excellent Artisans will receive a monthly living allowance, health insurance, and financial support when participating in the transmission of heritage, training, mentoring, and teaching future generations.

Folk artisan Le Van Loi expressed his emotion: “For an old artisan like me, the most precious thing is respect and recognition. If there is also support policy, that is joy, excitement, and motivation to continue passing on the craft to today’s youth.”

For many years, ICH preservation and promotion in Dong Nai has relied on the dedication of artisans and community participation. Many artisans have spent their own money, time, and effort to open free classes. With the new policy coming into effect this September, clubs and classes will have more favorable conditions to sustain and expand their activities.

Supporting heritage Clubs and practice groups

Excellent Artisan Huynh Khai, former Head of the Department of Traditional Music at Music Conservatory of Ho Chi Minh city, who has spent over 10 years accompanying Don ca tai tu movement in Dong Nai, said: Decree 215/2025/NĐ-CP not only addresses part of the livelihood difficulties of artisans but also creates a legal framework and support mechanism for systematic and long-term heritage transmission.

Alongside the artisans’ stories of “keeping the craft’s flame alive,” the new policy also encourages community participation in heritage preservation. Heritage clubs and intangible cultural heritage practice groups will receive support for their establishment and operation when their founding proposal, submitted by their executive committee, is approved by the chairperson of the commune, ward, or special district People’s Committee, and when their operational regulations comply with the law and local customs. Notably, newly established clubs and practice groups will be provided with funding to purchase musical instruments, props for practice, and cover operational expenses.

Currently, Dong Nai has many clubs and groups for đờn ca tài tử, dân ca quan họ, hát xẩm, lullabies, and more, which have become familiar meeting places for heritage enthusiasts. Most of these operate within the network of grassroots cultural facilities, where artisans and young people come together to practice, exchange, and create.

Hoang Thi Hai, a member of the Huong Que Club (Long Binh Ward), said: “Until now, our club has operated on a voluntary basis, with members pooling funds to maintain activities and take part in art performances both within and outside the province. In the near future, when the Government’s Decree 215/2025/NĐ-CP comes into effect, we hope the club will receive financial support for purchasing costumes and musical instruments, as well as for securing a fixed venue. This will give us better conditions to perform and serve local residents.”

By: My Ny
Translated by: Thu Hien - Minho