The Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023, themed “Flow,” is taking place from November 17 to November 26, 2023. The event focuses on three main pillars: Design, Community, and Innovation, featuring over 60 cultural activities, four architectural showcases, various artistic events, exhibitions, seminars, panel discussions, community events, and a creative fair.
On the evening of November 17, the festival kicked off at the Gia Lam Railway Factory (Long Bien, Hanoi). This initiative is under the guidance of the People’s Committee of Hanoi – Vietnam Association of Architects; organized by the Department of Culture and Sports, Architecture Magazine (Vietnam Association of Architects), Vietnam Railways Corporation, in collaboration with the UNESCO Office in Hanoi, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), and coordination with departments, boards, sectors, People’s Committees of districts, towns, and related organizing units. The event also enjoys the participation of sponsors and, notably, the enthusiastic engagement of numerous cultural and educational organizations, universities, training institutes, businesses, community groups, experts, and creative talents in the fields of creative design, visual arts, performing arts, handicrafts, culinary arts, fashion, music, heritage conservation, and community development.
Central and Hanoi City delegates attended the Opening Ceremony.
The opening ceremony was attended by central and Hanoi city delegates, including Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Committee Vu Thanh Mai; Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Trinh Thi Thuy; Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee Nguyen Van Phong; Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Vu Thu Ha; and UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi. Also present were representatives from central ministries, departments, ambassadors, heads of foreign diplomatic missions, international organizations, artisans, artists, and entrepreneurs in the field of creative design.
International delegates attended the Opening Ceremony.
The Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023 is an annual event in Hanoi aimed at implementing initiatives to join UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, promoting the development of the cultural industry, affirming Hanoi’s pioneering position nationally, and integrating with the international trend of innovative economy. In 2023, the festival, themed “Flow,” focuses on three main pillars: Design, Community, and Innovation. It aims to create a vital flow connecting the historical, cultural, economic, and social values of the capital. Emphasizing the connection across the Red River through the historic Long Bien Bridge, the festival highlights the historical and cultural values in districts and districts across the city. Additionally, the relocation policy of industrial production facilities from the inner city has left behind industrial heritage with significant potential waiting to be awakened. This presents an opportunity to transform industrial heritage into a creative cultural complex, generate new services and products, and attract investment, aligning with the development strategy of the Capital’s Cultural Industry towards sustainable development.
Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Vu Thu Ha delivered the opening speech.
In her opening speech, Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Vu Thu Ha affirmed, “Since 2019, Hanoi has officially become a member of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in the field of Design. After nearly four years of implementation, the city has undertaken many activities to concretize its commitment to building a Creative City. The Hanoi Party Committee has issued Resolution No. 09-NQ/TU ‘On the development of the cultural industry in the capital area for the period 2021-2025, with a vision to 2030, towards 2045.’”
The city has prioritized the efficient implementation of investment programs to preserve, restore, and promote the value of heritage sites. Numerous significant cultural projects have been invested in, with distinctive landscapes, reflecting the characteristics of the capital, and promoting the development of cultural tourism, building new rural areas, and civilized urban areas.
Moreover, Hanoi maintains and enhances its international cooperation more practically and effectively, reinforcing and expanding diplomatic relations and cultural exchange with cities, capitals of various countries, and those part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. The city actively participates in partnerships and collaborations with provinces and cities nationwide.
To continue leveraging the capital’s strengths and raising community awareness, aiming for connectivity and expanding collaboration among domestic and international organizations, experts, and businesses in the fields of creative design and cultural industries, Hanoi annually organizes the Creative Design Festival. Previous themes include “Igniting Creativity” in 2021 and “Innovation and Technology” in 2022, featuring activities and events focused on urban revitalization and the creative expression of cultural heritage.
Building on the success of these events, in 2023, the Hanoi People’s Committee collaborates with the Vietnam Association of Architects, the Vietnam Railways Corporation, with the support of the UNESCO Office in Hanoi, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), and the participation and coordination of various levels of government, Architecture Magazine, research institutes, universities, businesses, community groups, experts, and creative talents in the fields of creative design, visual arts, performing arts, handicrafts, cuisine, fashion, music, conservation, and heritage promotion, to organize the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023.
The festival not only honors creativity using traditional materials but also serves as a platform for over 200 units, creators, architects, artists, and especially many young talents in design, to elevate their emotions and express innovative ideas through thoughtful and action-oriented approaches, directly benefiting the urban community.
Acting Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi spoke at the opening ceremony.
At the opening ceremony, Acting Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi emphasized the significance of the festival for Hanoi’s residents and visitors, as it celebrates the rich and diverse cultural and creative resources of the capital. Through artistic and innovative works, we can witness and feel how the development of cultural resources in the city is breathing new life into urban spaces. With a cultural heritage spanning over a millennium and passed down through generations, Hanoi has the potential to become a pioneering force in all areas of development. According to Ramla Khalidi, the Hanoi Creative Design Festival, one of Hanoi’s committed initiatives, is a prime example of the city’s success in realizing its vision to become Vietnam’s Creative Capital. Through public-private partnerships contributing to a dynamic cultural and creative industry, particularly catering to the youth, Hanoi has demonstrated that culture can be a driving force for socio-economic development by mobilizing the abundant energy of the youth for innovation, transforming Hanoi into a better place for all its citizens.
The Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023 is set to take place from November 17 to November 26, 2023, with the theme “Flow” focusing on three main pillars: Design, Community, and Innovation. The event will feature over 60 cultural activities, four architectural showcases, and various artistic exhibitions, displays, seminars, panel discussions, community events, and a creative fair.
The festival will be held at key locations such as the Gia Lam Locomotive Train Factory, Hang Dau Water Tower, Van Xuan Flower Garden, Long Bien Station, Gia Lam Station, showcasing cultural events and activities that resonate with the Creative Design Festival across districts, towns, and cities. This aims to connect creativity while highlighting the historical and cultural values of the city’s districts and towns, contributing to the development of the Cultural and Creative Industries of the capital.
The events under the theme “Flow” aim to connect creativity and promote historical and cultural traditions, contributing to the development of the Cultural and Creative Industries in the capital.
The Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023 features pavilions and architectural exhibitions that serve as iconic landmarks for the festival while conveying the message: Creative Design – Awakening Industrial Heritage, transforming dormant factories and warehouses into aesthetically pleasing and highly educational creative hubs.
Highlighted pavilions and exhibitions include:
- “Architecture, Factories, and (Re)Drawing Modern Dreams” by architect Mai Hung Trung, founder of Hanoi Ad Hoc Design organization, consisting of five areas implemented by Hanoi Ad Hoc, Hanoi Architectural University, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, and Gia Lam Locomotive Factory. The exhibition intertwines the exploration of historical documents about industrial heritage activities in Hanoi with the exploration of the creative spirit to build new cultural values.
- Outdoor Architectural Pavilion “Waiting Wharf” by architect Le Quang Thach – AVALO Interior Architecture Company, located in the sunken bridge area of the factory. “Waiting Wharf” functions as a symbolic structure for the festival and the main stage for events. The design takes inspiration from the memories of the Railway Station, a place of transit, parting, reunion, and memories, embodying encounters and reunions.
- Architecture & Art Pavilion at the Hot Workshop by architect Nguyen Hong Quang – TOOB studio, will display notes on existing artifacts in the workshop and provide a series of visual materials of other industrial facilities in Vietnam. Inspired by the work “Relativity” by visual artist M. C. Escher, the team aims to provide an endless exploration experience by moving on platforms at different heights.
- At the Hang Dau Water Tower area, the exhibition “Arranging Water and the Heritage of Hang Dau Water Tower” is an artistic spatial experience arranging light from recycled materials and a unique water sound arrangement system, recreating the sound of water in nature.
The Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023 serves as a platform for artists and creators to showcase numerous unique and impressive works. Exhibitions such as “Thuy Phu” by artist Trinh Minh Tien, the painting installation “The Call” by artist Thu Tran and designer Nguyen Hong Hanh, and the contemporary art exhibition “MAP 2023 – Peripheral Movement” at Heritage Space, along with various innovative displays in other fields, promise to captivate audiences. Engaging recreational and cultural activities, virtual reality experiences, and games create an interactive playground stimulating creativity for children. The festival also introduces a rich and diverse culinary experience, featuring traditional dishes suitable for all ages.
Vietnam Railways Corporation organized a special train route from Long Bien Station across Long Bien Bridge, culminating at Gia Lam Station. Visitors then proceed on foot to the Gia Lam Locomotive Factory to partake in the festivities. The railway company will enhance the experience with artist-adorned “special” train carriages, leaving a lasting impression on participants.
Delegates pressed the button to start the heritage train route.
During the opening ceremony, delegates and tourists will enjoy an extraordinary artistic program, featuring two chapters: “Through the Realm of Memories” and “Aspirations.” Within the industrial heritage space laden with historical memories, the program will evoke a sense of history and reflections from the past, blending them with cultural integration inspirations for the future. The program showcases exhilarating performances by multi-generational artists such as People’s Artist Anh Duong, Meritorious Artist Trung Van, Meritorious Artist Quang Cuong, Meritorious Artist Nguyen Quyen, Meritorious Artist Ngoc Khanh, conductor Dong Quang Vinh, violinist Thien Minh, Oplus group, singer Bao Tram, artists from the Vietnam Tuong Theater, AST choir, New Life ethnic group, and the Pearl of Vietnam Art Club. The program serves as a call to action and an inspirational force, igniting the aspirations of the community and creators to step into the future anchored in native heritage.
In its third year, the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023 unfolds on a grand scale. It brings together experts, domestic and international organizations, artists, and creative communities across various fields, encompassing design, arts, sound, light, and beyond. From design teams involved in operations and organization to students, volunteers, environmental sanitation teams, and the workforce of the Gia Lam Train Factory and railways, all collaborate to craft a creative playground. They aim to unleash ideas and connect creators, offering the people of Hanoi and tourists, both domestic and international, a diverse, high-quality, colorful cultural and creative product. This endeavor showcases the boundless internal resources of Hanoi, fostering a creative community and connecting various cultural industries such as architecture, fine arts, performing arts, and design. It establishes creative platforms to harness cultural resources, especially the traditional culture of Hanoi.
Here are some images from the artistic performances at the opening ceremony: