It should be borne in mind that as yet comparatively few Vietnamese arts organisations have staff fluent in English. Artists and arts organisations investigating cultural exchange opportunities may therefore wish to work through their embassy or to seek the assistance of their resident cultural mission when making initial contact.

Those considering cultural exchange programmes with Việt Nam should also bear in mind that, notwithstanding the economic growth of the last decade, artistic and cultural development continues to be hampered by an acute lack of financial and material resources and the extension of outside assistance as an integral part of cultural exchange activity can make a significant difference.

When making contact with Vietnamese people it should be remembered that although Vietnamese names are written in the same order as Chinese names (family name followed by two given names) a Vietnamese person is addressed not by Mr/Ms/Mrs [family name] but by Mr/Ms/Mrs [second given name]. In this way, although Mr Nguyễn Văn Lại's family name is Nguyễn, he should be addressed not as 'Mr Nguyễn' but as 'Mr Lại'. Please note that where artists and writers are concerned the two given names are often used as a stage name or nom de plume, eg Hồng Nhung.

Those planning to work with Vietnamese artists and arts organisations are recommended to read 'To Be Sure...' written by Lady Borton, a copy of which can be obtained free of charge by E-mailing [email protected] - this leaflet contains invaluable information about work practices and cultural mores in Việt Nam.