Ho Chi Minh City Arts and Literature Federation Elects New Leadership for Future Development

The Ho Chi Minh City Federation of Arts and Literature held its first congress on July 18, electing a new executive board for the 2026-2031 term. The congress aimed to comprehensively review and evaluate the implementation of the federation's resolutions from the 2020-2025 term, elect the new executive board, and set development directions for arts and literature in the new period. Over the past five years, amidst unprecedented fluctuations including the COVID-19 pandemic and significant administrative reforms in the city, the federation demonstrated its resilience and core role, overcoming challenges and leaving important marks. The dedication of artists was highlighted, with 212 creative camps and field trips organized, involving over 5,300 members. These experiences served as a source of inspiration, enabling artists to create works closely reflecting life. Even during the most difficult times, art found its voice. Productions like the play "Thành phố" and the book "Cây kèn và chiếc khẩu trang" were created to honor frontline workers battling the pandemic. The federation also actively promoted its works through diverse forms and embraced new trends, making arts and literature more accessible to the public and creating a strong ripple effect. In activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Southern Liberation and National Reunification, the federation proactively advised the city on developing distinctive arts and literature programs. It also affirmed its professional role in selecting and appraising outstanding artistic works and introducing artists who made significant contributions to the city''s development, for city-level recognition. Beyond professional aspects, the federation's foreign affairs and collaboration efforts also achieved notable successes, including regular exchanges with Daegu city in South Korea and the production of bilingual Vietnamese-Korean publications, serving as important cultural bridges. Delivering a directive speech, Ms. Van Thi Bach Tuyet, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, emphasized that the federation has proven its core role in gathering dedicated artists from various specialized fields. Under this "common roof," artists have continuously innovated their thinking, contributed ideas, and helped create a vibrant, diverse, and rich literary and artistic landscape for the city. Amidst global integration, the city's arts and literature have contributed to bringing Vietnamese cultural essence to the world, while embracing progressive artistic trends. They have also created valuable works of ideological and aesthetic merit, nurturing the spirit and serving the cultural life of the people. However, the congress also frankly addressed existing shortcomings. The operational methods of the federation and its member associations need further innovation to meet the demands of the new period. "The discovery and training of young artists remain limited, and the creative potential of the next generation has not been effectively tapped. I propose that the new executive board pay close attention to and devise solutions to overcome these limitations," stated Ms. Van Thi Bach Tuyet. Looking ahead, Ms. Van Thi Bach Tuyet urged the federation to build itself into a "strong and united common roof." Member associations should be places where artists can confidently entrust their passion and responsibility, contributing their talents and creative labor to inspire and invigorate professional activities. The federation needs to effectively perform its function of social consultation and critique, proactively providing feedback and advice to the Party and State on policies related to culture and arts. It must continue to deeply grasp the Party's line and State policies to help artists understand and harmonize artistic freedom with their responsibilities as citizens. Based on this, the federation should leverage its core role in protecting the Party's ideological foundation, countering hostile and erroneous viewpoints, and affirming its position as a vanguard force in creating the city's distinctive cultural values. During the congress, the 18-member Executive Board for the 2026-2031 term was introduced. Mr. Phan Nguyen Nhu Khue was elected Chairman of the Federation. Three Vice Chairpersons were also elected: People's Artist Trinh Kim Chi, sculptor Ngo Phuoc Chanh, and painter Le Van Tuan. Photographer Doan Hoai Trung was elected Head of the Federation's Inspection Committee. Information Source: Nhan Dan