The Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2024, themed “Creative Crossroads,” will feature over 100 activities and more than 1,000 creative works, taking place from November 9 to 17.
This festival aims to activate the creative potential within the community. Events will be held at seven historic heritage sites across Hanoi, bringing together over 500 organizations, creators, architects, artisans, and young artists.
A performance of the festival in 2022. Photo: The Architecture Magazine
The festival will be centered in the August Revolution Square, connecting the “Heritage Essence” axis along Ly Thai To and Le Thanh Tong streets, and the “Creative Economy” axis from Bac Co Street to Trang Tien Street.
Notable architectural landmarks include the Children’s Palace, the National History Museum, and the Vietnam National University’s Hanoi University of Sciences, along with cultural spaces like Hoan Kiem Lake and five parks such as Ly Thai To, Dien Hong, Co Tan, August 19, and Tao Dan.
Bui Thi Thanh Huong, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Architecture Magazine, a co-organizer of the festival, said that this year's event aims not only to highlight familiar heritage values but also to awaken the community's creative spirit.
She added that the festival is designed for everyone in Hanoi, not just artists. The festival has successfully created a resonance within the community, attracting not only creative designers but also individuals and organizations from diverse fields and industries.
Vu Thu Ha, Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, speaks at the event. Photo: VGP
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the festival last week, Vu Thu Ha, Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, highlighted that after nearly five years of efforts, Hanoi has become a member of the “UNESCO Creative Cities Network.” The city has undertaken numerous initiatives to fulfill its commitment to building a creative urban environment, establishing itself as a dynamic and innovative capital in Asia.
Hanoi has intensified its focus on creative design activities, fostering collaboration opportunities with other cities within the network. Notably, in 2024, the city established an advisory council of experts to develop creative activity spaces and set criteria for these initiatives.
At the event, Jonathan Baker, UNESCO Representative and Head of Office in Vietnam, said the festival is one of many diverse initiatives the city has committed to as a UNESCO Creative City of Design. It exemplifies how Hanoi is making unprecedented progress toward its vision of becoming Vietnam's creative capital and a regional center for innovation.
The city is also commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2024), the 25th anniversary of being recognized by UNESCO as a “City for Peace,” and five years of being designated a “Creative City.”
These celebrations aim to honor the rich historical traditions of the Vietnamese people and the resilience of Hanoi’s citizens, encouraging the community to unite and elevate their determination to harness all resources for building the “Cultural, Civilized, and Modern” capital.
These activities are designed to engage the community, spreading creative energy through the participation and performances of artisans and local residents, attracting widespread public interest and support from international friends.
KHANH NGHI
VNQD