Enhancing Research Capacity: Grant Application Skills Workshop at HCMC University of Culture
Experts lead workshop on securing research grants for cultural projects in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, February 13, 2025 – Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture hosted a workshop on research grant application skills, co-led by Associate Professor Jane Gavan and Dr. Pham Lan Huong, lecturers at Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture.
A/Prof. Jane Gavan - a visual artist and cultural researcher at the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute.
Associate Professor Jane Gavan, a visual artist and cultural researcher at the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute, has extensive experience in successfully securing funding for projects in Vietnam, particularly in the fields of culture, arts, and design. She specializes in discussions about the specific research context of Vietnam and the placement of culture in creative practice.
Dr. Pham Lan Huong, a scholar in the field of cultural heritage in Vietnam, brings in-depth understanding of the local context and professional experience in this area. Together, the speakers will provide practical and insightful guidance on how to approach research funding, focusing on projects based on Vietnam's cultural context, traditions, and contemporary needs.
This workshop aligns with the Vietnamese government's new initiatives to enhance research capacity, promote innovation, and increase support for cultural and heritage projects. As Vietnam continues to expand its research and cultural fields, the ability to access funding sources becomes an important skill for researchers, artists, and museum professionals to develop projects that contribute to national cultural policy and community-oriented priorities.
Within the framework of cooperation with UNESCO, the museum sector, and university colleagues, Associate Professor Gavan is currently supporting the implementation of the new Cultural Heritage Law, which is expected to take effect from July 2025. This law aims to modernize and protect Vietnam's cultural assets, while encouraging sustainable development through research and the creative industries. The workshop will focus on how to identify funding opportunities, build competitive application profiles, and ensure proposals align with Vietnam's evolving cultural policies.
Experts and participants joining the workshop at HCMC University of Culture.
With a focus on Vietnam's specific cultural context, this initiative emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and contextualized capacity building. The workshop aims to equip researchers and professionals with tools that not only help attract funding but also make practical contributions to Vietnam's heritage, creative industries, and broader socio-cultural development, combining tradition, identity, and integration goals.