The journey of heritage becoming a cultural industry product

In an effort to find a sustainable development direction for the cultural industry, the connection between heritage and creativity is increasingly receiving attention. The forum “From heritage materials to cultural products” held on July 20 in Hanoi is one of the typical activities to promote this exchange.

The forum was organized by the Center for Research and Promotion of Cultural Heritage Values (CCH) in collaboration with the British Council in Vietnam. Attending were MSc. Bui Thi Huong Thuy - Deputy Head of Heritage Management Department (Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism), Mr. Le Xuan Kieu - Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, Ms. Tran Tuyet Lan - Director of Craft Link Social Enterprise Joint Stock Company, along with many artisans and representatives of the creative community in Hanoi.

The sharing at the forum focused on the following contents: the role of heritage as a source of creative inspiration; policies for developing cultural and applied industries in Hanoi ; traditional handicrafts in the souvenir product value chain, strengthening connections between artisans, artists and the community...

The forum was attended by cultural managers, artisans and representatives of the creative community in Hanoi. (Photo: Ngoc Truong)

As one of the first cities in Vietnam to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Hanoi not only plays a role in preserving heritage, but also proactively brings heritage into contemporary life. Dr. Bui Thi Huong Thuy (Deputy Head of Heritage Management Department, Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports ), said that the policy system from Resolution No. 09-NQ/TU on developing cultural industries, the amended Law on the Capital, to the establishment of the Center for Coordination of Creative Activities at the Hanoi Museum... has become the "backbone" for models connecting heritage and creativity to flourish. These institutions and policies are gradually creating an environment for artisans, designers and businesses to develop products with cultural identity.

Also at the event, Dr. Le Xuan Kieu – Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, shared about his persistent journey in connecting heritage with young people. From a space that seemed to be only associated with the past, the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam has now become a creative destination, where artists, students, and designers can access cultural materials to create unique souvenirs with national spirit.

Maintaining cultural roots is the way to make a product stand out in the domestic and foreign markets. (Photo: Ngoc Truong)

From the perspective of a social enterprise (SE), Ms. Tran Tuyet Lan – Director of SE Craft Link shared her journey of more than two decades working with the ethnic minority artisan community to bring traditional brocade and handicraft products to the world. According to her, what makes a cultural product vital is not only the technique, but also the story and identity of each community. Maintaining that root is the way to make a product stand out – both in the domestic and international markets.

Many traditional artisans also shared real stories and perseverance with traditional heritage, such as To He artisan Dang Van Hau (Hanoi) with his journey of being attached to the craft of making To He for decades, from individual activities to connecting with cultural units, renewing products while still preserving the folk spirit.

The figurines are created based on national cultural elements, both eye-catching and familiar to the modern public. (Photo: Ngoc Truong)

The forum also includes booths displaying traditional creative products so that visitors can directly experience and have direct dialogue with artists and artisans. This is considered the first step to open up new cooperation - where traditional materials can blend with the flow of contemporary creativity, making practical contributions to the development of Vietnam's cultural industry./.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/hanh-trinh-di-san-tro-thanh-san-pham-cong-nghiep-van-hoa-20250721073452482.htm