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 at UNESCO in Paris, which took place on May 24, 2025, the topic of the nomination of "folk painting by Dong Ho" was discussed as an intangible cultural heritage. Ambassador Nguyen Thi van Anh as well as representatives of the Vietnamese Institute for Culture, Art, Sport and Tourism and the Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism of the Province of BAC Ninh took part in the meeting. The UNESCO dossier is to be checked in December 2025, whereby the participation of the ambassador was decisive in order to underline the importance of the dossier. It was emphasized that the dossier was created methodically and with great sense of responsibility, which is particularly appreciated by the constant Delegation of Vietnam at UNESCO. The ambassador emphasized the cooperation with the People's Committee of the Province of Bac Ninh and the National Commission of the UNESCO.

The dossier for the important art forms of Vietnam could breathe new life into the Dong Ho Folk painting. This art form originated in a small village along the Red River in the municipality of Song Ho, district Thuan Thanh, province of Bac Ninh in a small village. The traditional techniques used to produce these unique paintings are threatened with extinction. The Prime Minister has therefore given his approval in writing to submit a national dossier at UNESCO. This is seen as an opportunity to preserve and promote this endangered art form.

events to promote the cultural heritage

In order to increase the attention of Dong Ho folk painting, several events are planned. Among other things, on May 31, 2024, the "BAC Ninh - Kinh Bac Kulturnacht" will be carried out in the Vietnamese cultural center in France. Another event, "Vietnam: Cultural Quintessence and promotion efforts", takes place on April 7, 2025 in the UNESCO headquarters. These events should arouse international interest in BAC Ninh and its cultural heritage.

Despite the challenges in front of which the Dong Ho Painting faces, the villagers strive to preserve the vitality of this art form. The deputy director of the cultural, sports and tourism department of BAC Ninh, Nguyen van Anh, reported that 17 families who operated this art have only been left. These families, who come from the artisans Nguyen Dang Che and Nguyen Huu Sam, keep the craft upright. Craftsmen like Nguyen Huu Qua and the founding of the Dong Ho Painting Preservation Centres are crucial for the preservation and promotion of this art form.

sustainable strategies for preservation

The province of BAC Ninh has taken several initiatives in recent years to support Dong Ho Ho Volksbalerei. This includes the awarding of titles to outstanding artisans in 2010 and the approval of a project to protect and promote the cultural heritage with a budget of almost 60 billion and. The efforts focus on training future generations in the techniques of painting and involving the community in all activities.

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

The commitment of the Vietnamese delegation at UNESCO and the support of local authorities offer good conditions for the nomination of Dong Ho Volksbalerei as an intangible cultural heritage that urgently needs protection. The impending initiatives could be crucial to preserve the centuries -old tradition of this unique art form.