Hanoi:Artisan-led classes are playing a crucial role in preserving folk crafts and supporting Hanoi's cultural industry ambitions. The model thrives when training aligns with income and market demand.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, in Duong Lam ancient village, Meritorious Artisan Nguyen Tan Phat has dedicated years to teaching lacquerware. This craft requires not only skilled hands but also an understanding of generations of knowledge, technique, and aesthetic judgment. Students in these classes learn about materials and master each step, from constructing the base to lacquering, polishing, and finishing.
In Xuan La to-he figurine village, artisan Dang Van Hau employs a tiered teaching approach. Students begin with basic shapes and progress to more complex tasks. The primary aim for children is cultural exposure, while those seeking a career focus on mastering techniques and creating new designs. This educational model is also applied to water puppetry in Dao Thuc village, where classes are directly led by artisans.
Artisan Nguyen The Nghi has been running water puppetry classes for about five years, with at least one session annually. While water puppetry was once seen as impractical, it is now embraced by parents. Newcomers undergo a two-year trial period, participating in collective activities and learning troupe rules, alongside performance techniques and community life.
Trinh Quoc Dat, Chairman of the Vietnam Craft Village Association, noted that craft hubs with strong production and market access tend to attract young workers. For instance, Bat Trang commune draws labor from nearby areas, with families sending children to study ceramics. However, crafts with lower income and unstable markets struggle to retain young talent.
Nguyen Tan Phat suggested enhancing connections between artisans, training facilities, businesses, and cultural tourism to provide learners a pathway from exposure to employment. He emphasized distinguishing short-term experiences from deep training for committed individuals.
The draft Law on Cultural Industry Development, submitted to the 16th National Assembly's second session, proposes a workforce competency framework, policies to attract artisans into training, and support for learners through scholarships and tuition waivers. Dat highlighted the importance of linking formal training with real production, suggesting that training facilities develop suitable curricula and artisans impart techniques directly. Additionally, authorities, associations, and businesses should collaborate to connect production with markets.