The Ho Chi Minh Award and the State Award for Literature and the Arts were presented to notable writers and artists at a ceremony organised by the Council of State Awards and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on May 19 in the Grant Theatre in Hanoi.
This is the fourth time the Ho Chi Minh Award has been presented to writers and artists since the first award in 1996.
Hoang Anh Tuan, chairman of the Council of State Awards cum Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that the Council had deliberated very seriously to pick out the 12 works of Literature and the Arts and to recognise the 74 nominees for the title of People’s Artist.
In addition, 128 art works and groups of art works were presented with the State Award for Literature and the Arts and 356 nominees received the title of Meritorious Artist.
The Ho Chi Minh Award, the State Award for Literature and the Arts and the titles of People’s Artist and Meritorious Artist are the countries highest awards, given to writers and artists who have made important contributions to the country’s cultural development.
State President Truong Tan Sang attended the awards ceremony and delivered a speech in which he warmly congratulated the artists whose works won them this honour. He stressed that the Party, Government and people are thankful to the contributions of all the writers and artists to the cause of re-constructing the country.
President Sang also called on artists to continue upholding the nation’s cultural tradition of creating art and literary works with a profound cultural value, featuring the national characteristics.
