A large audience came to watch the young people perform.

It's a place that's not just "for playing".

Tran Trung Quan, a young mountain biker, shared: “We absolutely love the atmosphere by the river, but we can't always practice there. Many days it's too crowded, and we have to constantly dodge people while practicing, sometimes even having to stop completely for fear of hitting pedestrians.” Quan added that what frustrates him and many other young groups is not just the lack of a fixed training ground, but the feeling of “not belonging anywhere.” They just want a stable place to practice seriously, so they don't have to keep moving from one place to another. It always feels like they're just borrowing a place temporarily. If they had a stable place to practice with peace of mind, everything would be completely different.

These shared thoughts reflect a real need: Hue is in dire need of entertainment spaces and events specifically designed for young people. Outdoor stages, specialized parks, or multi-purpose cultural centers could become meeting points for creative activities, performances, and social interaction. These are not just places "to play," but also environments for skill development, community building, and spreading positive energy.

Music is a prime example. In Hue, acoustic and jazz music already have established venues for performances. However, for rock, hip-hop, or rap, the playing field remains extremely limited. Many young bands have to fend for themselves, from performance venues to technical equipment, which is beyond the capabilities of those just starting out. If there were outdoor stages or regular events, Hue's young talents would have a better chance to grow in a professional and open environment. Even a small outdoor stage could be enough to host hip-hop competitions, music festivals, or street performances organized by young people themselves. The most important thing is not the size of the stage, but creating a communal space where young people feel welcomed and can be themselves.

Creating spaces for young people is not just about providing entertainment venues; it also contributes to shaping a new cultural identity for the city. An art district, a creative park, or a community stage can become a tourist highlight, presenting a more dynamic and friendly image of Hue. When young people have places to play, they not only play but also create, contribute, and spread positive energy to the community. It's time for Hue to proactively create spaces for young people. This could begin with organizing more frequent outdoor cultural and artistic events, supporting young art groups in renting venues, or building community centers with suitable infrastructure. A vibrant city relies not only on its past heritage but also on its present breath, the breath of the younger generation.

A difficult problem

However, in Hue, the biggest challenge remains: young art enthusiasts often lack the manpower and financial resources to build a dedicated space for their community. Conversely, private businesses, while having greater potential, are hesitant to invest in new models, fearing risks, failure, and that they might not be "suitable for Hue." This gap between the genuine needs of young people and the caution of investors means that many good ideas remain only in their nascent stages, unable to become truly meaningful community spaces. Therefore, the flexible, experimental private model in other cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Hanoi is worth considering.

In recent years, many localities across the country have focused on creating spaces for young people, from street art zones and skateboarding playgrounds to music festivals. Examples include Go Station Space, the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cultural Center, Saigon Outcast (Ho Chi Minh City), LST Surf Da Nang (Da Nang), Complex 01 (Hanoi), etc. Most of these models are privately operated, flexible, and creative, thereby greatly supporting young people in developing and connecting with others. This is also what creates the unique identity of each city.

Today's youth in Hue are not just art enthusiasts. They are artists, whether it's with a guitar, a skateboard, a technical maneuver on a bicycle, or hip-hop dance moves. What they need is not permission, but understanding and support so that these activities can develop in a healthy, safe, and sustainable environment.

Hue may retain its inherent tranquility, but beneath the surface lies the youthful energy of people eager to express themselves. And to ensure that this energy doesn't just flicker in a few impromptu performances on the banks of the Perfume River, Hue needs genuine spaces for young people to fully embrace their passions. Beyond its heritage, Hue needs the breath and energy of the younger generation to continue its development.

Pham Phuoc Chau

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/can-dau-tu-cho-khong-gian-tre-160663.html