The Party and State always treasure the role of performing arts in the national culture and create favourable conditions for the arts to develop, President Truong Tan Sang said at the 8th congress of the Vietnam Association of Stage Artists in Hanoi on December 17.

He commended the association on its efforts to encourage and help stage artists to exploit to the most their talent and creativity as well as to popularise the arts through organising field trips, training courses, exchanges and overseas study tours for association members.

The President however, called attention to the fact that there are few theatrical works dealing with contemporary themes and new issues in society, while many just focus on entertainment while neglecting their educative role. Many artists are also slow in recognising and dealing with arising issues.

He urged the association to try hard to reform the content and modes of working in order to enhance the quality of creative work as well as artists.

The eighth congress of the Vietnam Association of Stage Artists is taking place until December 18 with the participation of nearly 500 delegates representing 2,000 members.-VNA