A new chapter for Dong Ho folk painting: UNESCO nomination in focus!

A new chapter for Dong Ho folk painting: UNESCO nomination in focus!

At an important working meeting at the headquarters of the Vietnamese delegation to UNESCO in Paris, held on May 24, 2025, the issue of nominating “Dong Ho Folk Painting” as an intangible cultural heritage was discussed. The meeting was attended by Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh as well as representatives from the Vietnam Institute of Culture, Arts, Sports and Tourism and the Bac Ninh Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The nomination dossier is scheduled to be considered by UNESCO in December 2025, and the Ambassador's participation was crucial in underlining the importance of the dossier. It was emphasized that the dossier was prepared methodically and with a great sense of responsibility, which is particularly appreciated by the permanent delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO. The ambassador highlighted the cooperation with the Bac Ninh Provincial People's Committee and the National Commission of UNESCO.

The dossier on Vietnam's important art forms could breathe new life into Dong Ho folk painting. This art form originated in the 16th to 17th centuries in a small village along the Red River in Song Ho Township, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province. The traditional techniques used to create these unique paintings are in danger of extinction. The Prime Minister has therefore given his written consent to the submission of a national dossier to UNESCO. This is seen as an opportunity to preserve and promote this endangered art form.

Events promoting cultural heritage

To raise awareness of Dong Ho folk painting, several events are planned. Among other things, the “Bac Ninh – Kinh Bac Cultural Night” will take place on May 31, 2024 at the Vietnamese Cultural Center in France. Another event, “Vietnam: Cultural Quintessence and Aspirations,” will take place on April 7, 2025 at UNESCO Headquarters. These events are intended to stimulate international interest in Bac Ninh and its cultural heritage.

Despite the challenges facing Dong Ho painting, villagers strive to preserve the vitality of the art form. Deputy Director of Bac Ninh's Culture, Sports and Tourism Department, Nguyen Van Anh, reported that out of 17 families who practiced the art, only two remain. These families, descended from artisans Nguyen Dang Che and Nguyen Huu Sam, maintain the craft. Artisans like Nguyen Huu Qua and the founding of the Dong Ho Painting Preservation Center are crucial to preserving and promoting this art form.

Sustainable conservation strategies

Bac Ninh Province has taken several initiatives to support Dong Ho folk painting in recent years. These include awarding titles to outstanding artisans in 2010 and approving a project to protect and promote cultural heritage with a budget of nearly VND60 billion. Efforts focus on educating future generations in the techniques of painting and involving the community in all activities.

An international seminar to promote the artistic values ​​of Dong Ho folk painting was also organized. Experts recommend developing methodological strategies to promote heritage in order to effectively pass on the techniques to younger generations. Until 1945, Dong Ho paintings were a popular decoration in Vietnamese households, especially during the Tet festival, and they form a significant part of Vietnam's cultural heritage.

The commitment of the Vietnamese delegation to UNESCO and the support of local authorities provide good conditions for the nomination of Dong Ho folk painting as an intangible cultural heritage in urgent need of protection. The upcoming initiatives could be crucial to preserving the centuries-old tradition of this unique art form.