HA NOI – The cultural sector needs to focus on streamlining the organisation of festivals, controlling advertising, and proper management of the nation's cultural heritage, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh told a meeting here on Wednesday.
The conference could discuss practical solutions to social evils and obvious negative phenomena resulting from the commercialisations of festivals, he said, including the abuse of donation-collection boxes at pagodas and temples, poor sanitation around temple and pagoda grounds, and superstitious activities during festivals.
"Concerned authorities should pay greater attention to the distortion of the festivals' significance and cultural values," said Minister Anh.
Based on discussions at the conference, the ministry could draft a circular on festivals management, he added.
A report presented by the ministry concluded that State administration of culture, sports and tourism had been properly carried out during the first six months of the year, with more elements of society joining in sponsoring various local cultural, sport and tourism activities, creating a positive political atmosphere in the country.
Poland funds restoration of historic monuments
THUA THIEN-HUE – The Republic of Poland has provided funding of US$18,700 to the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre for restoring and preserving the Learning Encouragement Stele.
The stele is part of the Quoc Tu Giam, or the former feudal university, which now houses the Museum of Revolutionary History on 23 August Street.
The project, which will also receive $18,300 from the conservation centre, will start in August and last until the end of the year.
The funding was pledged during a visit to the Polish Embassy in Ha Noi by a delegation of Thua Thien-Hue Province's leaders, headed by deputy chairman of the People's Committee Ngo Hoa.
Hoa met with Roman Iwaszjiewics, Polish ambassador to the country, thanking him for Poland's contribution to the success of the Hue Festival last month.
Competition tipped to glorify landmark Long Bien Bridge
HA NOI – Perpetual Tales of the Dragon Bridge – a writing competition held by the Sports and Culture newspaper and Maison des Arts, took place yesterday in Ha Noi.
Long Bien Bridge, the first steel bridge across the Hong (Red) River, was built in 1910, and has become one of the most iconic landmarks of the capital city.
In dedication to the 1,000-year anniversary of Ha Noi, the competition will aim to inspire the pride of Hanoians and all Vietnamese.
"We hope the competition will glorify the iconic bridge as a walking boulevard and an outdoor museum of Ha Noi," said Truong Le Kim Hoa, deputy editor-in-chief of the newspaper.
Competitors of all nationalities are eligible to submit various compositions in various media, such as writings, photographs and video clips. Admission closes on September 15. The awards ceremony will take place in October, on the occasion of the 1,000th anniversary of the city.
Check out information on the competition's official website: http://www.thethaovanhoa.vn/longbien. — VNS