VNCE
Building and fostering a friendly artistic environment in Central Vietnam
About
Vietnam Cultural Exchange
Founded in 2018 in Da Nang, Vietnam, Vietnam Cultural Exchange (VNCE) is committed to fostering cultural, artistic, and educational exchanges, with a special focus on nurturing young artists from Central Vietnam. At the heart of our mission is the “B&P – Art for Children” non profit gallery, which not only introduces Vietnamese art to global audiences but also provides a platform to showcase the creative expressions of young talents from diverse locations.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, forcing our gallery to close temporarily and leaving us in financial difficulty. However, with unwavering support from the local community, schools, family, and friends, we reopened in May 2024 with a renewed vision. One of the key additions to our efforts was the establishment of Trà Nôm Teashop, a vital initiative to support our programs.
Trà Nôm Teashop is more than a welcoming space for tea lovers; it is a cornerstone of our sustainability. Located on the ground floor of the VNCE building, all proceeds from the teashop are dedicated to funding free art workshops, exhibitions, and creative activities for children weekly. By connecting the community with the gallery, Trà Nôm plays a crucial role in ensuring our mission thrives while fostering an appreciation for art.
Moreover, Trà Nôm provides a space for artists to host their own workshops, allowing them to introduce themselves and their work to the community.
Thanks to the dedication of our team—including my best friend and manager, Mrs. Quy, and our curator, Gulya Qualia—we now offer regular weekly art activities, bringing joy and inspiration to Da Nang’s children.
Living as an artist in Vietnam presents challenges similar to those faced by Western artists in earlier centuries. Like Piet Mondriaan, who painted flowers and copied museum pieces to make a living, many Vietnamese artists must rely on reproducing famous or lesser-known works to sustain themselves. Featuring emerging artists in galleries remains financially risky, but VNCE is determined to provide opportunities and support for Vietnam’s next generation of artists.
Our mission
We are here
Benefits of Partnering with VNCE:
- Showcase Your Art in Our Space: Partnering with VNCE allows you to utilize our space to exhibit your artwork, providing a platform for exposure and appreciation.
- Connect with International Galleries or Artists: VNCE facilitates connections with international galleries or artists, expanding your network and fostering collaborations within the global art community. Explore new opportunities and reach a broader audience through our partnerships;
Share your ideas and thoughts with us, and together, let’s turn them into reality. Creativity and collaboration are the keys to unlocking doors for fantastic ideas. Let’s create something special and meaningful together!
At B&P – Art For Children, often organized by foreigners, they are dynamic artists who love experimentation and embrace new techniques. Their inspiration comes from witnessing the excitement of children engaging with artworks. Moreover, in reality, this combination of activities significantly aids many artists in generating income through their artistic endeavors.
01.
— Mission
Building and Cultivating a Friendly Art Environment in Central Vietnam for Sustainable Growth.
02.
— Vission
As Cultural Exchange Vietnam doesn’t seek exclusive rights, its primary goal is to expand into new markets and enhance existing ones. The company collaborates with various European companies and organizations. Vietnam holds a strong reputation in Europe, and European artists are eager to collaborate. In the future, expect artworks from artists residing in the United States, China, and other countries to be featured in our projects.
03.
- "We are here to support Vietnamese artists."
Operator
Lê Oanh
Founder & Director - After several years of living and working with children in Hanoi, she decided to return to Da Nang (her hometown) to establish the company Cultural Exchange Vietnam (VNCE). A significant initiative she leads is the nonprofit children's art space - "B&P - Art for Kids." Bringing art into children's spaces and exploring the world of art for kids. Upon completing the "Communication & Arts" program in New York in 2019-2020, she interned at the Westchester Art Gallery in White Plains to gain additional experience.
Roby Bellemans
Supervisor - Growing up in an artistic family, he may not be an artist himself, but he seamlessly transitioned into supervision and organization of exhibitions and projects in the realms of art, culture, and education. Active in Vietnam since retirement, he lectures on UNESCO's education projects for the Vietnam Museum organization. He also served as the first Director of the Thanh Ha Pottery Park in Hoi An. To learn more about his activities in Vietnam, please visit here
Gulya Qualia
Curator of B&P - Art For Children Da Nang gallery - Gulya Qualia brings a rich artistic and cultural heritage from Russia to Da Nang, where she now lives with her family as a loving mother of two sons. Since 2013, she has been a devoted teacher, finding immense joy in working and communicating with children. For Gulya, teaching is more than just a profession—it is a heartfelt calling. In Russian, there’s an idiom that beautifully captures Gulya’s dedication: teaching is not only about having a degree but also about having true passion. Over the past two years, she has conducted art classes and dedicated time to creating her own artwork, always sharing her love for art with others. Gulya’s enthusiasm and experience bring exciting, creative activities to our gallery, inspiring children to enjoy and explore art!
Trần Quý
General Manager - Trần Quý, a college friend of Lê Oanh, is now a devoted mother to a delightful baby boy. With her deep understanding and passion for creating a meaningful community for children, Quý has taken on the role of manager at VNCE. Beyond managing the day-to-day operations of Trà Nôm Teashop, Quý also serves as a vital bridge between the gallery and local parents. Her dedication and enthusiasm have greatly contributed to fostering memorable experiences for the community and children alike.