Untie the income knot
For many artists working at public theaters and art troupes, salaries and allowances over the years have not been commensurate with the specific characteristics of the profession.
Many people have to rely mainly on the number of performances to increase income, while many traditional art forms do not have many performances.
At the Vietnam Circus Federation, before Decree 261 was issued, usually each practice session, artists were rewarded about 80,000 VND, and each performance was 200,000 VND.
For artists participating in many performances in the same program, the unit proactively provides additional support to increase the allowance level to about 300,000 VND for the 2nd performance (receiving an additional 50% compared to the first performance). However, this expense still depends on the unit's financial capacity and ticket sales revenue.
From July 1, 2026, Decree 261/2026/ND-CP officially takes effect, stipulating the professional preferential allowance level from 20% to 50% for officials and employees engaged in performing arts activities in public units. At the same time, the training and performance allowance regime is also adjusted to increase significantly, before continuing to be raised in the later stage according to the Government's roadmap.
According to People's Artist Tong Toan Thang - Director of the Vietnam Circus Federation, what makes the artist team excited is not only the material value but also the recognition for the profession.
He shared: "In fact, when hearing information from July 1st that Decree 261 on special regimes officially took effect, for artists in general and circus artists in particular, everyone really felt like there was a new breath of life. Artists all felt the concern of the Party and State.
To have this special regime, it had to go through a process of research, consideration and approval at the National Assembly, and then it was implemented. Therefore, when hearing the news that the decree officially took effect, the artists were very excited. That creates a great spiritual motivation.
According to Mr. Tong Toan Thang, the increase in allowances cannot immediately solve all difficulties in life, but this is a significant change because artists feel more clearly the State's concern for performing arts forces.
Motivation to stick with the profession
Besides improving the treatment regime, People's Artist Tong Toan Thang believes that it is more important to help artists feel secure in pursuing their profession in the context that many types of art are facing difficulties in human resources.
He commented: "Although the specific regime in the immediate future only helps to improve part of the income for artists, more importantly, they feel the concern of the Party and the State for those who work in the arts. This concern creates great motivation, helping artists see their responsibility to the profession more clearly.
According to the head of the Vietnam Circus Federation, after Decree 261 was issued, the working atmosphere at the unit has changed a lot.
Artists practice more actively and have more faith to continue to stick with the stage.
With the attention of the State, I believe that from now on artists will contribute more. They are somewhat reassured to continue pursuing their passion, improving their profession and contributing to art.
At the Vietnam Circus Federation, I can see that very clearly. You have more new energy, are more encouraged in your work. Rehearsal rooms and stages are always full of people practicing," People's Artist Tong Toan Thang said.
However, he also believes that policies are only part of the solution. Artists' income is still closely linked to the number of performance programs and the unit's actual revenue.
The Vietnam Circus Federation has had to flexibly apply internal spending regulations for many years to increase training for artists when there is revenue. If revenue is limited, raising the payment level also faces many difficulties even though the unit always tries to provide maximum support.
He emphasized: "For the Vietnam Circus Federation, the artistic labor force is very large, and the professional nature is particularly hard. In addition to supporting with non-salary allowances, the most important solution is still to increase the number of performances.
The more actors perform, the more income they have from performance allowances, thereby improving the overall income.
People's Artist Tong Toan Thang also said that according to the new regulations, artists receiving salaries from the budget (staff) will be subject to professional preferential allowances, while contract artists (temporary) will be entitled to allowances based on the criteria of the new allowance regime.
This is considered a positive step in the preferential treatment policy for performing artists, while creating a foundation for units to continue building human resources and retaining professionals in the coming time.
