In implementing Directive 30/CT-TTg from the Prime Minister on developing Vietnam’s cultural industries, Da Nang has crafted its own plans to maximize its inherent potential and advantages. Mr. Ha Vy, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports, emphasized that the city has identified cultural industries as one of the key breakthroughs and a new strategic direction in the current context.

The International Fireworks Festival has been a prominent and captivating cultural event in Da Nang City for the past 16 years. Photo: T.Y

In addition to prioritizing the development of spaces for culture, entertainment, cinema, and performing arts, the city aims for the cultural industry to contribute approximately 5% of its GRDP while also generating numerous new job opportunities.

* With the cultural industry identified as a new direction in the current context, what potential and strengthens does Da Nang possess to create this breakthrough, sir?

- Da Nang is a young, dynamic city with diverse cultural resources closely tied to its scenic landscapes, historical sites, and traditional craft villages. Notably, among the seven national intangible cultural heritages, Da Nang boasts the Quang-style tuong (classical opera) and the folk art of ho/hat bai choi. Additionally, the city is home to several traditional craft villages, such as the Cam Ne mat weaving village, Nam O fish sauce production, and Tuy Loan rice paper making. Da Nang also features a rich system of heritage sites and landmarks, including two nationally recognized special heritage sites, 17 national-level sites, and 69 city-level sites.

Da Nang is regarded as one of the leading localities in organizing major events and festivals, which captivate both domestic and international tourists. Examples include the Quan The Am Festival, Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, and most recently, Da Nang Asian Film Festival. These events have solidified the city's position as a hub for cultural, artistic, and entertainment exchange in the region. Beyond showcasing its unique cultural identity, these events also serve as a catalyst for the development of auxiliary industries such as tourism, cuisine, hospitality, and transportation.

Moreover, with its dynamic environment and well-developed infrastructure, Da Nang attracts a significant number of young, skilled, and creative workforce. The city’s community of artists and cultural practitioners continues to grow, and actively contribute to the nation’s and the city’s cultural and artistic advancement. Thanks to its strategic location, Da Nang serves as a bridge between major economic hubs like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and provinces in Central Vietnam. This advantage positions the city as a cultural exchange center, fostering the development of cultural industries, particularly in the context of expanding tourism and cultural service sectors.

* Can you introduce some creative and performance spaces that Da Nang has established to meet the public's cultural and artistic needs?

- Da Nang possesses a variety of creative and performance spaces, collaborating with a modern information system to facilitate cultural creation and product promotion. Key venues include the Da Nang Museum, Da Nang Fine Arts Museum, the Museum of Cham Sculpture, Le Do Cinema, and Trung Vuong Theater. The city also supports high-quality artistic programs like May Lang Thang (Wandering Clouds), Ao Dai Show, and Hoa Vang Show. Additionally, the number and quality of private art spaces and cinemas are steadily increasing, providing more opportunities for both creators and audiences to engage with cultural and artistic activities.

To meet the demands of developing the cultural industry, the city is focusing on diversifying cultural and entertainment spaces. Notably, the effectiveness of walking streets, night markets and outdoor art performance spaces in central areas such as Bach Dang and Tran Hung Dao streets will be enhanced. Additionally, museums are encouraged to establish digital art exhibition spaces, showcasing modern cultural works integrated with advanced technology, aligning with emerging trends.

* What additional measures are needed for Da Nang to sustainably develop its cultural industry in the coming years?

- To ensure sustainable development of its cultural industry, Da Nang must focus on three key areas: preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, fostering modern creativity, and enhancing international cooperation. Firstly, the city will continue to invest in heritage preservation, safeguarding not only tangible cultural values such as monuments and traditional craft villages but also intangible heritage like Quang-style classical opera (tuong) and bai choi. Simultaneously, public communication and education programs will be intensified to raise awareness about cultural preservation, especially among younger generations. Secondly, Da Nang needs to create favorable conditions for artists and creators to have more spaces and opportunities to showcase their talents.

Financial, policy, and infrastructure support is crucial to foster cultural innovation projects and encourage the creation of cultural products with a distinctive local identity that can compete in international markets. Specifically, the city prioritizes the development of certain cultural industry products and services that are suitable, have potentials and strengths, and reflect unique characteristics. These include cultural tourism, software and entertainment games, cinema, advertising, and performing arts.

Finally, enhancing connections with international organizations is essential to promote the city’s image and cultural values to the world.

It can be said that Da Nang is at an ideal juncture to position itself as a hub of cultural creativity, not just in Central Vietnam but beyond. With the right strategy and sustainable investment, the cultural industry promises to become a significant driver of economic growth, contributing to the enrichment of the community’s spiritual life and striving to achieve approximately 5% of the city’s GRDP in revenue.

* How do you assess the role and participation of the local community and businesses in the process of building and developing the city's cultural industry?

- In my opinion, the role of the local community and businesses in developing the cultural industry is crucial, even decisive. For the community, they are not just beneficiaries but also key participants in preserving and promoting traditional cultural values. Residents in craft villages, artisans in intangible cultural fields, and individuals passionate about cultural and artistic creation serve as both sources of inspiration and driving forces for the growth of the cultural industry. Cultural festivals and events organized by the city have always received enthusiastic participation and support from the community, generating a strong ripple effect.

Notably, the awareness of residents in preserving cultural heritage, protecting the ecological environment in scenic areas, and contributing creative ideas has helped the city increasingly perfect cultural products with its own identity. Additionally, the formation of artist communities and creative arts clubs has significantly enriched the diversity of local cultural life. Meanwhile, businesses act as pivotal players in investing, utilizing, and commercializing cultural products and services. Their involvement has expanded the scale and professionalism of Da Nang's cultural industry. These enterprises serve as both investors and strategic partners in promoting and introducing Da Nang's cultural products to international markets.

To further encourage the participation of residents and businesses, the city must continue refining its support mechanisms and policies. This includes incentivizing businesses to invest in the cultural industry through tax benefits, land-use incentives, and loan support. Additionally, public-private partnerships should be strengthened, particularly in the development of cultural spaces, event organization, and cultural product production. Lastly, the city should focus on enhancing community capacity through training and guidance programs for residents and artisans. These efforts would teach them how to preserve and utilize cultural values effectively and integrate deeply into future cultural industry value chains.

* Thank you for this insightful discussion!

Reporting by TIEU YEN – Translating by HONG VAN