The title of “meritorious artist” will be granted to individuals who make great contributions to preserving and upholding the national intangible cultural heritage values for the first time in 2015.

The honoured artists are those who work in the genres of spoken language, scrip, folk philology, folk performance art, social and religious habits, traditional festivals and folk knowledge, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on August 12.

Vietnam is home to a number of the world intangible cultural heritage, including Nha Nhac (royal court music), Central Highlands gong cultural space, Quan Ho (love duets), Ca tru (ceremonial singing) and Hung King worshipping rituals.-VNA