"Leverage" for literary development

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is drafting and seeking feedback from relevant agencies to issue a Decree regulating the encouragement of literary development. This could be considered the first legal document specifically dedicated to this field.

Literature will fulfill its mission of creating fertile ground in cultural and spiritual life with many new works rich in content and artistic value. With this support, new legal regulations will be a lever to promote the development of literary activities.

From essential requirements

During a visit to Bac Lieu to discuss literature with local writers and poets, when addressing the mission and special role of literature, poet Nguyen Quang Thieu – President of the Vietnam Writers Association – stated: “The path of literary creation never deviates from the main path of lofty humanism. Writers convey the reality of life into reality in a book. Literature transforms painful reality into beautiful reality through its skill. Literature transforms events in life, on the streets… into events within the soul, events with aesthetic value, sowing beauty in our hearts. Literature opens a path, lights a light in the darkness, and must bring people hope and empathy.”

Because literature has a profound impact and influence on the aesthetics, emotions, and spiritual life of the public, and plays a significant role in nurturing the human soul and character, it is essential to encourage, support, and create a favorable environment and conditions for authors and writers to create literary works that fulfill these missions!

Several shortcomings that have disadvantaged the literary field have been recognized during discussions on the content of this Decree on Literature. Specifically, there has long been no specific, unified regulation on organizing literary creation, theory, and criticism competitions using state budget funds; this has, to some extent, disadvantaged writers and authors when participating in the State Prize and the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature and Arts. Furthermore, some artistic fields already have a "legal framework" such as the Film Law, the Architecture Law, the Decree on Performing Arts, the Decree on Fine Arts Activities, and the Decree on Photography Activities... These documents contribute to strengthening the legal basis for management, organization, and support from state agencies and professional associations for the activities of these artistic sectors. However, there is still no specific document focusing on the field of literature!

Poet Nguyen Quang Thieu - President of the Vietnam Writers Association - shared his literary story at the Advanced Literary Writing Skills Training Course in Bac Lieu . Photo: CT

Support for Literature

In Bac Lieu, the Literature Branch ( thuộc the Bac Lieu Union of Literature and Arts Associations) brings together more than 40 members working in various professions. From their positions and perspectives on life, the members have produced many literary works reflecting various aspects of social life, contributing to the development of their homeland. Many works have won awards in essay and short story competitions in the Mekong Delta, and many poems, short stories, and journalistic works have been published in central and local newspapers and magazines. The works of many members may not be outstanding, but they are very valuable given that the writing profession does not yet provide sufficient income to compensate for the labor they put in. In fact, many members of the branch even use their own money to publish books simply out of love for literature. A decree that deeply examines the nature and role of literature, and provides favorable regulations for this "domain," would undoubtedly be a practical encouragement for literature lovers nationwide, including those in Bac Lieu.

According to the draft, the Decree on encouraging the development of literature includes support and investment in literary activities, organizing writing camps and creative writing competitions; awarding prizes, introducing, promoting, and disseminating literature. One of the notable contents of the draft is the establishment of a National Literature Award. This award is expected to be chaired by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in coordination with the Vietnam Writers Association, to develop, approve, and organize the National Literature Award Project on a five-year basis. The promulgation of the Decree on literature shows that the State has taken more practical steps in creating mechanisms to encourage authors in creating literary works in general, and high-quality literature in particular.

During the drafting process of the Decree, with the participation and contributions of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations, the Vietnam Writers Association, the Central Council for Literary and Artistic Theory and Criticism, writers, researchers, translators, etc., it is certain that we will receive insightful suggestions closely related to the current literary activities of many organizations, units, and individuals. What writers and literature lovers nationwide are hoping for is that the Decree will include provisions that truly support the development of literature when it is officially promulgated.

CAM THUY

Source: https://www.baobaclieu.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/don-bay-cho-van-chuong-phat-trien-100020.html