Empowering Resilience Through Art
Supporting Lang Viet Lacquers in VietnamIn January 2025, the Gatsby Showcase Foundation visited Lang Viet Lacquers, a government-supported social enterprise based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The initiative is dedicated to empowering Vietnam War veterans and civilians living with disabilities caused by Agent Orange exposure.
Art, Dignity, and Economic Independence
Lang Viet Lacquers provides a safe, dignified, and empowering environment for individuals whose lives were permanently altered by the long-term effects of war. All artisans employed through the initiative live with physical disabilities resulting from Agent Orange exposure. Through specialized training, they create exquisite lacquer artwork that reflects extraordinary craftsmanship, resilience, and cultural heritage.
What makes Lang Viet Lacquers especially impactful is its focus on economic independence through meaningful work. Artwork produced by the artisans is sold directly to support the artists themselves providing sustainable income, restoring dignity, and fostering a renewed sense of purpose. Proceeds from sales also contribute to the rehabilitation of villages and families still affected by the enduring consequences of war.
Witnessing Resilience Firsthand
During the visit, the Gatsby Showcase Foundation witnessed firsthand the remarkable skill, determination, and creativity of the artists. Each lacquer piece told a story of survival, healing, and hope transforming pain into beauty and hardship into opportunity.
In alignment with its commitment to inclusive economic empowerment, the Foundation supported Lang Viet Lacquers through the purchase of artwork, ensuring that financial benefits flowed directly to the artisans and their communities. This engagement reflects the Foundation’s belief that sustainable development is best achieved when individuals are empowered to support themselves through dignified, income-generating opportunities.
Building Pathways to Long-Term Stability
Through partnerships and support of initiatives like Lang Viet Lacquers, the Gatsby Showcase Foundation continues to champion models of economic empowerment that honor resilience, restore agency, and build pathways toward long-term stability and independence.
UN SDG Alignment
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SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Supporting dignified employment and income generation for individuals with disabilities through social enterprise.
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SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Advancing economic inclusion for people impacted by war-related disabilities and long-term marginalization.
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SDG 1 – No Poverty: Enabling sustainable livelihoods through earned income rather than dependency-based aid.
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SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Engaging with government-supported and community-based international initiatives to advance inclusive development.
Witnessing Resilience Firsthand
During the visit, the Gatsby Showcase Foundation witnessed firsthand the remarkable skill, determination, and creativity of the artists. Each lacquer piece told a story of survival, healing, and hope transforming pain into beauty and hardship into opportunity.
In alignment with its commitment to inclusive economic empowerment, the Foundation supported Lang Viet Lacquers through the purchase of artwork, ensuring that financial benefits flowed directly to the artisans and their communities. This engagement reflects the Foundation’s belief that sustainable development is best achieved when individuals are empowered to support themselves through dignified, income-generating opportunities.
Building Pathways to Long-Term Stability
Through partnerships and support of initiatives like Lang Viet Lacquers, the Gatsby Showcase Foundation continues to champion models of economic empowerment that honor resilience, restore agency, and build pathways toward long-term stability and independence.
UN SDG Alignment
-
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Supporting dignified employment and income generation for individuals with disabilities through social enterprise.
-
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Advancing economic inclusion for people impacted by war-related disabilities and long-term marginalization.
-
SDG 1 – No Poverty: Enabling sustainable livelihoods through earned income rather than dependency-based aid.
-
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Engaging with government-supported and community-based international initiatives to advance inclusive development.
How You Can Help
We invite you to join us in this transformative initiative. Whether through donations, partnerships, or raising awareness, there are many ways you can make a difference in the lives of these heroes. Your support will help us create a lasting impact, not just for veterans in the U.S., but for survivors in Vietnam as well.
We are committed to continuing our work with Lang Viet Lacquers in Vietnam and bringing this empowering model to the U.S. Together, we can help restore hope and dignity to those who have sacrificed so much for their countries. By supporting this initiative, you are contributing to a global effort that is not only focused on healing but also on empowering individuals to create their own futures through art.