HCM CITY — HCM City plans to work with the Alliance of Arts and Literature Associations to develop cultural activities, the secretary of HCM City’s Party Committee, Đinh La Thăng, said at a meeting held on June 14 in the city.

Thăng, in a meeting with Trần Long Ẩn, chairman of the alliance, said that artists, performers and writers in different fields had made great contributions to the city.

He said he would work with city agencies, including the Department of Finance, to create more priority policies and breakthrough programmes in the arts.

The alliance includes nine associations in various fields, including fine arts, literature, cinematography, theatre and architecture. They all receive financial support from the city.   

The associations are faced with a shortage of funds, particularly the fund that encourages young talents and outstanding members. 

Each association receives only VNĐ50 million (US$2,250) each year from the encouragement fund.

One of the biggest challenges is the outdate theatre system owned by the Government, Thăng said.    

Thăng said he would work with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to upgrade and build theatres with quality facilities and beautiful decor.     

The city has nine theatres owned by the Government with more than 5,000 seats, not including 12 private stages with 1,200 seats. Most of them are in poor conditions and have failed to earn a profit in the last few years.

Some theatres in the city have been converted to hotels and office buildings. — VNS