Young Dreamers and their mission to preserve Folk Art

Driven by a deep admiration and passion for Vietnamese folk art, Hoang Nguyen Khue Anh and her peers created "Viet Palette," a project to spread the beauty and value of Vietnam’s traditional art forms. Through this endeavour, they aim to preserve art styles like Sình Village paintings and Chuon Ngo inlaid pearl paintings and bring these treasures closer to the younger generation.

Reviving a love for traditional culture with creative and relatable content

Rooted in a profound respect for folk art, Viet Palette was initiated by high school students in Hanoi, led by Hoang Nguyen Khue Anh, a standout student from Chu Van An High School for Gifted Students. Renowned for her creativity, sense of social responsibility, and deep cultural appreciation, Khue Anh has guided Viet Palette to bridge the past with the present, connecting modern youth with the unique art forms of Vietnam, including Sình Village paintings and Chuon Ngo inlaid pearl artworks.

Khue Anh in a conversation with a Sình Village painting artisan in Hue.
Khue Anh in a conversation with a Sình Village painting artisan in Hue.

Khue Anh and her team have invested significant time and energy in crafting diverse content for their fanpage, ranging from the history of each art form to step-by-step guides on traditional production processes. What sets them apart is their innovative approach to engaging Gen Z audiences. Instead of lengthy, dry articles, Viet Palette combines informative posts with visually engaging infographics, short videos, and storytelling. These formats showcase every stage of creating folk paintings, from wood carving and colour mixing to crafting brushes from wild pineapple stems.

For example, their posts on Sình Village paintings explore the spiritual significance behind the artwork and include heartwarming stories from local artisans. This approach helps young audiences see how folk art is intertwined with everyday life in Vietnam, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for traditional cultural values.

Experiencing Traditional Art – Bridging the Past and Present

Understanding that Gen Z craves hands-on experiences, Viet Palette has organized events like "Cham Sac" (Touch of Colors)—an immersive program where participants can try their hand at each step of creating folk art. Guided by master artisans, attendees can explore various techniques, from painting to wood carving and pottery making, gaining a dynamic perspective on these ancient crafts and their cultural significance.

Gen Z participants experiencing the creation of various folk paintings at the “Cham Sac” event
Gen Z participants experiencing the creation of various folk paintings at the “Cham Sac” event

Photos and videos of these activities are shared on Viet Palette’s fanpage as a vibrant diary of their journey, capturing the excitement and joy of rediscovering traditional art. Through each post, Viet Palette doesn’t just share knowledge; they create opportunities for the younger generation to connect with and contribute to preserving cultural heritage.

A standout feature of these experiential activities is their social impact. Events like "Cham Sac" are about cultural promotion and serve as fundraisers for charitable causes. Proceeds from these events are donated to organizations such as the Breast Cancer Network Vietnam. Khue Anh and her team aspire for each participant to walk away with a unique cultural experience and the satisfaction of contributing to a meaningful cause. This reflects the team's commitment to turning their passion for culture into tangible action, promoting a spirit of sharing and creating positive change in society. Khue Anh and the Viet Palette team are proving that Gen Z is not just a passive consumer of culture but an active force in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Vietnam.

Hoang Nguyen Khue Anh is the founder and leader of Viet Palette and a role model for compassion and dedication to social service. Even during her middle school years, she participated in various charitable initiatives, including raising funds to build schools for children in mountainous regions and donating hair to charity organizations in the UK and Vietnam. In 2024, Khue Anh and her team donated all proceeds from the "Cham Sac" event to the Breast Cancer Network Vietnam.

Khue Anh plans to pursue the International Baccalaureate program at the United World College in South Africa but is committed to continuing Viet Palette’s mission, bringing Vietnamese folk art to youth worldwide. Her passion and dedication have inspired peers to join her in preserving the cultural essence of Vietnam.

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