(VOVWORLD) - Since joining UNESCO's Creative Cities Network in 2019, Hanoi has created a number of unique cultural events and projects. The capital city boasts numerous advantages and potentials to develop creative spaces which have formed part of its distinct cultural identity. More than a hundred creative spaces are currently operating in Hanoi, a positive sign that reflects the role and contributions of culture and the arts to the spiritual and cultural life of local residents.
Hanoi now has the most cultural and creative spaces in Vietnam, a result of its commitment to fostering creative design activities. These spaces have been brought into full play to maximize Hanoi’s cultural and human resources and transform them into cultural “soft power”.
 The pedestrian street area around Hoan Kiem Lake (Photo: Trong Dat/ VNA) |
From Hanoi only two pedestrian zones: the Hoan Kiem Lake and Trinh Cong Son walking streets, Hanoi has added four more spaces – the pedestrian streets in the Bac An Khanh urban area; the Son Tay ancient citadel pedestrian zone,; the Pearl Island-Ngu Xa food street and the pedestrian area in Truc Bach ward; and a pedestrian space in Tran Nhan Tong street. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy of Son Tay district said: “The opening of pedestrian streets has brought many benefits. Culturally, it provides a space for people – especially young people – to meet, engage in social activities, and connect with nature and people around them. I hope more such spaces will be available in other areas.”
Cultural festivals and creative events in the capital have attracted large numbers of people. Notable events include the Folk Culture in Contemporary Life Festival in 2019 and 2020, the Vietnam Creativity and Design Festival in 2020, the Vietnam Design Week in 2021 and 2022, and the Hanoi Creative Design Festival in 2022 and 2023, which will return this November. These events featuring seminars, exhibitions, art performances, and creative games have created a fresh and exciting venue for Hanoi’s artist community. Artist and art curator Nguyen Hoang Quoc Anh said: “As a native of Hanoi, there’s no greater happiness and honor for me than being able to contribute, not only to the capital city, but also to the surrounding communities through works of art and cultural and artistic projects.”
The capital's creative spaces play a crucial role in connecting artists to the community, creating an identity and appeal for urban areas based on traditional values. Some of these spaces have hosted important international art events. Musician Quoc Trung, general director of the Monsoon International Music Festival, said: “Since 2023, in Hoan Kiem District in the heart of Hanoi, we have found ways to introduce the creative ideas of artists, especially young artists, to international organizers, and have promoted the district's culture and heritage to international audiences.”
 Musician Quoc Trung, general director of the Monsoon International Music Festival (Photo: VOV2) |
Hanoi has created policies to develop its culture industry and build a creative city. Creative spaces for design, visual arts, architecture, music, performing arts, handicrafts, publishing, photography, and cinema have injected new energy into the city and promoted its creative industry. Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Son, permanent member of the National Assembly's Cultural and Educational Committee, said: “It’s important to spread the spirit of creativity to everyone. Creative spaces and creative people are the elements that will foster Hanoi’s creative spirit and drive the capital's future development.”
With a goal of making culture and creativity the center of urban development, Hanoi is building and promoting creative spaces for culture and art and establishing its image as a city rich in cultural tradition, imbued with a spirit of innovation, and a pioneer of culture and creativity.