HÀ NỘI — The Temple of Literature will host a wide range of cultural activities dedicated to children during the summer holiday, according to Lê Xuân Kiêu, director of the Temple of Literature’s Culture and Science Centre.

From now to the end of August, children will gather at the Temple of Literature on weekends to enjoy activities with different themes each week. It’s a kind of summer camp helping them to gain knowledge, practice soft skills, have fun and nurture their love for traditional culture. This is the first time the centre has organised a series of summer events catering to children, Kiêu said.

The event will start on May 26 with a watercolour painting activity with the participation of artists from the group Art 60+. Led by painter Phạm Kiên, the artists will join children in creating artwork. The paintings created at the event will be auctioned to raise funds for poor students.

Children will have the chance to experience the traditional art and crafts with artisans. They will also learn the origins of art with the guidance of the craftsmen. Accordingly, children will learn to make dó (poonah) paper, kites, special foods, pottery and brocade souvenirs.

“We believe that the event will attract children and foreign tourists because it’s a chance to learn more about Vietnamese culture directly from the artisans,” said  Kiêu.

“Our centre will co-operate with various partners in the field of souvenirs, traditional handicrafts, cooking and art to bring participants the perfect experience,” he said.

Literature Lake (part of the Temple of Literature) will be the venue for displaying colourful kites and calligraphic works on poonah paper.

The Việt Nam Kites Cultural Heritage Conservation Centre will instruct participants to make kites, decorate them and release them. The most beautiful kites will be sent to the international kites exhibition and contest.

Children will also join games, art performances and culinary experiences with spring rolls, summer rolls and grass jelly.

Artisan Nguyễn Văn Chúc said he is happy to have a chance to perform in front of the public.

“For artisans like us, we always nurture a dream of having a space to perform, and exchange with audiences,” he said.

“We have been trying to preserve the arts and uphold the traditions. However, it is useless if we don’t have a chance to introduce the quintessence of the art to the public.” — VNS