A sculpture by artist Tran Van Khanh on display at National University in HCMC until September

Sculptors in HCMC are rejoicing after the Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City opened a massive sculpture display in an effort to add more culture to its 630-hectare complex.

Son expressed hope that the country’s arts community would have new life breathed into it thanks to the five-month exhibition, which began last month. The display comprises 58 outdoor and interior sculptures made of metal and wood, and is giving the local artists some much needed exposure.

Phan Thanh Binh, director of the university – known briefly as VNUHCM – said, “Universities in Vietnam have only aimed at [developing] academically and have incidentally become a rigid environment.”

Binh said many foreign universities have earned fame not only for being prestigious academic centers, but also for being attractive cultural destinations.

“VNU-HCM cannot be a boring administrative unit in the future. It has to highlight the culture of the area,” he added.

According to Binh, Vietnamese people need to change their concept of culture. In many countries, large buildings are considered works of art and a common area like a subway station can be a place to perform music, he said.

In Vietnam, however, setting aside space for the arts community is often not a priority when it comes to urban planning, Binh said.

Binh and Son both agree that the university’s sculpture exhibition is a step in the right direction. “If we fail to [make progress] today, we are doing a disservice to future generations,” Binh said.

The arts exhibition will run until September 24 at the VNU - HCM office complex in Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc District.

Reported by Quang Thi