Ho Chi Minh City officially has its own Magic Club. The venue in Vietnam’s largest metropolis is part of the HCM City Centre of Cultural Labour.

“HCM City has nearly 100 magicians but they find it hard to attract crowds,” said Tran Dinh, the magician who heads the club. “Our club will help them stage and develop their art.”

The club has 44 magicians who will put on performances starting this week. In addition to shows, the HCM City Magic Club will offer training for kids and teens, plus free courses for young learners who can’t afford instruction.

The move to create a more established presence for magicians in Vietnam echoes similar efforts in India and in the United States for recognition as an art form.