Support Da Nang’s First and Only Children's Art Gallery

Support the First and Only "Art for Children" Gallery in Da Nang

My name is Oanh Le, and I’m the founder of B&P - Art for Children, a nonprofit gallery in Da Nang, Vietnam. After years of working with children in Hanoi, I returned to my hometown to establish the Vietnam Cultural Exchange (VNCE). Inspired by my experiences with programs in New York and an internship at Westchester Art Gallery, I was driven to create a space where children can explore and connect with art in meaningful ways.

How It All Began

Over a decade ago, while volunteering at the Terracotta Park & Museum near Hoi An, I met Roby Bellemans. Roby Bellemans, the first director of the Thanh Ha Terracotta Park Museum Hoi An, continues to serve as a valued advisor to us. A question from a young visitor to one of his exhibitions—“Why isn’t there art for children here?”—sparked the idea for B&P - Art for Children. This unique gallery was born from the belief that art for children deserves its own space, crafted to reflect their imagination, experiences, and joy.

We aim to teach children to love art, not just by observing it but by creating it themselves. Just as there are books written especially for children, we believe there should also be art made especially for them.

A Renewed Vision Post-COVID

Like many arts organizations, our gallery faced challenges during the pandemic, including a forced closure. But thanks to the incredible support from locals, schools, and friends, we reopened with a new vision. We introduced Trà Nôm, a tea shop whose proceeds sustain our free weekly art workshops. With the dedication of Mrs. Quy, our manager, and Gulya Qualia, our curator, we now bring regular art activities to children across Da Nang.

We rent a two-story building to support our mission. The ground floor houses Trà Nôm, our cozy teashop, where parents can enjoy tea or Vietnamese coffee while their kids participate in workshops. Afterward, families can bond by playing games together.

At the back of the teashop, we have a dedicated tearoom for artists to explore and host their own workshops. We offer this space free of charge to help artists generate income, develop new ideas, and share their work with fellow art enthusiasts.

The first floor is home to our children’s gallery, and the rooftop serves as a versatile space for potential events, such as a rooftop garden.

All proceeds from Trà Nôm go directly toward supporting the operations of the children’s gallery, ensuring we can continue bringing art and creativity to young minds.

In a few years, we aim to become almost entirely self-sufficient. This independence is vital to us, as our sole mission is to teach children to appreciate and enjoy art. We believe in nurturing their creativity without imposing our own visions.

Art Lending Program

One of our standout initiatives is the Art Lending Program, inspired by successful models in Europe. This program allows children to borrow original artwork to display at home, fostering a personal connection to creativity. Each piece costs $12 to prepare for lending, and to meet the demand from schools, we aim to grow this program to 10 schools in 2025.

The program also encourages children to create their own art inspired by these borrowed pieces, helping them build stories and poems in both Vietnamese and English. Additionally, we offer training workshops for parents, teachers, and volunteers to inspire creativity in their communities.

Meet Gulya Qualia

Gulya Qualia, our dedicated curator from Russia, has been instrumental in nurturing creativity at our gallery. Gulya’s love for teaching and her connection with children have made her an invaluable part of our team. However, her visa restrictions require frequent renewals, making her work uncertain. Your support can help secure her a two-year visa, allowing her to continue inspiring young artists without interruption.

Sharing Knowledge Beyond Borders

We’re committed to sharing our experiences and methods with others. Through free YouTube videos and consultations, we help organizations in Vietnam and beyond bring art into children’s lives, especially in underserved communities.

Our Funding Goals

To sustain and grow the gallery in 2025, we aim to raise $12,500, allocated as follows:

Gallery Rent (First Year): $3,000 – A space for creativity and exploration.

Art Supplies and Materials: $3,500 – For 70 art workshops throughout the year.

Art Lending Program Expansion: $4,800 – Providing artwork to 10 schools.

Support for Gulya’s Visa: $1,200 – Ensuring our curator’s continued work.

Additional funds will go toward establishing a Children’s Art Library, allowing kids to borrow artwork and further their connection to art at home.

Join Us in Bringing Art to Every Child’s Life

Your contribution—no matter the size—has a direct impact on Da Nang’s children. By donating, you’re supporting not only the first year of our gallery but also a lasting legacy of creativity and expression for the children of Da Nang. Together, we can make art a universal language accessible to every child.

Thank you for helping us bring art into children’s lives and hearts!