Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam Cultural Industry Development Association, in collaboration with the Institute of Journalism and Social Communication, officially launched the 2026 Golden Torch Awards for Cultural Industries (GTACI) in Hanoi on June 22.
The initiative marks the first dedicated awards in Vietnam established to honour outstanding organisations and individuals in the sector.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, People’s Artist Vuong Duy Bien, Chairman of the association, said that amid globalisation and the digital era, the Party and State have identified the cultural development industry as one of the country’s strategic breakthroughs.
He noted that Politburo Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW, dated January 7, 2026, on the development of Vietnamese culture, has created a legal framework and favourable environment for cultural activities. The resolution also provides a foundation for mechanisms to recognise and encourage innovation.
Vietnam’s cultural industries currently comprise around 70,000 active enterprises, generating employment for more than 3 million workers and contributing an estimated 2.5–3% of GDP. Several localities have also developed creative ecosystems, innovation hubs, and effective cultural economy models. Bien said the awards are intended to connect State management agencies, businesses, artists, creators, and the wider cultural community to promote cultural industries as a key economic sector for the country.
The awards will cover film, fine arts, photography, performing arts, software and gaming, advertising, handicrafts, cultural tourism, creative design, television and radio broadcasting, and publishing. For organisations, prizes will be presented to enterprises operating in cultural industries, public service units, social organisations, and member organisations of the Vietnam Cultural Industry Development Association.
Key award categories include outstanding contributions to the development of the country’s cultural industries, innovation, digital technology application, international promotion of Vietnamese culture, cultural tourism development, and heritage preservation and promotion.
For individuals, the awards are open to artists, content creators, designers, producers, cultural experts, cultural entrepreneurs, cultural researchers, and members of the association.
Individual award categories include the development of Vietnam’s cultural industries, cultural heritage preservation and promotion, content creation, artist/designer, innovation, and young talent award.
Applications will be accepted from July 1 to September 30. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Hanoi on November 24, in celebration of Vietnam Culture Day./.
VNA
