Dear readers,

As we continue on our journey of exploring the tapestry of Vietnamese art, issue #10 of Art Nation celebrates “The Art of Patronage” – the fundamental force that sustains and nurtures our rich creative legacy. From the historical royal court patronage of traditional arts and crafts, the colonial government’s public projects of modern Indochinese aesthetic, to the present-day institutional initiatives and private collections, patronage has long shaped and continues to define the developmental trajectory of Vietnamese art. And as the artistic landscape has evolved over time, so, too, has the role of the patron. No longer separated by well-defined roles, artists are now actively becoming patrons, and patrons are stepping out of their fiscal-only role to become collaborators and partners in the creative process.

Recognising the importance of art patronage in Vietnam from the earliest times to future developments, issue #10 raises a deeper issue that is becoming more urgent than ever: that art is not only an object of admiration or acquisition, kept in the white box of modernity or fetching increasingly higher prices at auctions. It is, fundamentally, a vital part of society that requires collective nurturing, appreciation, protection, and developmental planning. In the burgeoning patronage system in Vietnam, the contributions of both private and public patrons have thus gone beyond material support. They foster environments for artistic creation and engagement with the wider communities through art residencies, public exhibitions, education programmes, grants, etc. This holistic approach is a key driver to ensure that Vietnamese art remains innovative and dynamic both domestically and internationally.

In this issue, we showcase stories of visionary patrons and patronage incentives with clear and strategic visions for the Vietnamese artistic and cultural landscape. Combining local and global models, we gain inspirations from how the Patron of the Year Award has built a robust Singapore art scene over four decades, how the city of Kanazawa implements a city-wide patronage of kogei as a historical and artistic treasure at the Triennale of Kogei in Kanazawa (Japan), or the dynamic collaborations of MAP project’s 2025 exhibition “Arrival?” between Hanoi and Berlin (Germany). Rebranding strategies for the contemporary art fair Taipei Dangdai (Taiwan), private donation and curatorial direction of Dib Bangkok (Thailand), and the model of art patronage in schools by Nguyen Art Foundation (HCMC) – are all valuable insights into how contemporary patronage is breaking down traditional barriers to encourage cross-cultural exchanges.

Through these stories, Art Nation invites you to reflect upon the importance of art patronage in shaping the future of Vietnamese art – whether arts and crafts, sculptures, theatre, or photography. May this issue inspire new forms of patronage and collaborations in Vietnam, and let us celebrate the spirit of support and solidarity that keeps Vietnamese art alive and thriving.

Warm regards,
Ace Le
Editor-in-Chief

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ace Lê
Trần Thảo Nguyên
Tăng Bảo Quyên

EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief: Ace Lê
Managing Editor: Chukim
Editors: Nhật Anh, Ally Lê, Hồng Ánh

CONTRIBUTORS
Writers & Translators: Alna Bay, Đoàn Minh, Hà Châu Bảo Nhi, Hoàng Lê Giang, Phạm Công Luận, Phạm Minh Quân, Tâm Phạm, Vinh Phú Phạm, Lê Huy, Mary Lê, Lưu Bích Ngọc, Lưu Nguyệt Linh, Thắng Mai, Nhật Thu, Trao, Nguyễn Lê Thủy Tiên, Xuân Quỳnh, Yết Yết

CREATIVE
Studio Manager: Cao Quốc Huy
Graphic Designer: Ngọc Hân

MEDIA
Media Executive: Trần Vũ Minh Phúc

REPRESENTATIVES
Hanoi: Tâm Phạm
Bangkok: Mary Lê
Singapore: Nguyễn Lê Thủy Tiên
Hong Kong: Ally Lê
Taipei (China): Xuân Quỳnh
Tokyo: Hà Châu Bảo Nhi
Berlin: Lưu Bích Ngọc
Brussels: Trọng Gia Nguyễn
Paris: Thảo Trần
Long Beach City: Brian Đoàn