Unleashing creative potential within the community.

Representatives of Hanoi's creative spaces received certification as Creative Cultural Spaces. — Representatives of Hanoi 's creative spaces received certification as Creative Cultural Spaces.

In particular, it includes new solutions to awaken and promote creative potential within the community, creating valuable lessons for other Creative Cities across the country.

Recently, many people visiting Tasco Mall (Viet Hung Ward, Hanoi) have been surprised to find that the mall always hosts cultural and artistic activities on weekends.

New solutions for nurturing and spreading knowledge.

Beyond typical music and fashion shows, this venue also offers many in-depth cultural activities such as art exhibitions, handicraft workshops, acoustic music nights, and heritage seminars… A prime example is the program “Pho – The Story of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Flow of the Creative Industry,” which includes activities such as: a seminar on the heritage value of pho, an exhibition on the history and cultural space of Hanoi pho, a display of sketches about pho heritage, pho demonstrations, and pho experiences…

In recent times, Hanoi has implemented many new approaches to creative cultural activities. Performing arts, fine arts, photography, and other activities that were previously confined to theaters, exhibition centers, and museums have now shifted and reached the public through public spaces or private creative spaces.

Pham Thi Lan Anh, Head of the Heritage Management Department (Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports ), said: “One of the pillars of a Creative City is building a creative community. Activities must be community-oriented to activate creative potential. Shopping malls are places where many people gather, especially young people, making it very convenient to spread cultural values through these spaces. Many shopping malls want to enhance their brand value through cultural activities instead of purely commercial ones. Hanoi will continue to implement this trend because it benefits all parties, especially in spreading and nurturing the creative community and fostering the market for cultural industries.” Following Tasco Mall, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports has developed programs with Lotte Mall and several other shopping malls with a series of displays, exhibitions, and designs… to create a cultural environment within shopping malls and bring creative culture to the community.

Over the years, Hanoi has nurtured its future creative workforce by creating opportunities for young people. A notable example is the "Hanoi Creative" competition (2023), which provided opportunities for students in fine arts, design, and other related fields to research traditional brands and craft villages, thereby creating diverse product lines. This included hundreds of graphic design products showcasing traditional Hanoi brands such as pho, sticky rice cakes, and traditional craft streets and villages; as well as furniture products based on the values of 10 representative craft villages. In 2025, students from the Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts undertook direct internships in craft villages such as Chuyen My mother-of-pearl inlay, Phu Tuc rattan weaving, and Boi Khe lacquerware to create new products.

Creating a platform for the creative community.

Jonathan Baker, Head of UNESCO's Representative Office in Vietnam, stated: “Hanoi's recognition as a UNESCO Creative City opens a new chapter, where creativity becomes a key driver of development. Hanoi has fostered a dynamic creative ecosystem. Creative festivals have brought communities together, revitalized public spaces, and created opportunities for young people to build a new future for the city.” In the development of the Creative City, creative cultural spaces are a strength of Hanoi, especially those created by private businesses, designers, and artists. These spaces are where many activities take place, from music, film, and fine arts to design and handicrafts, generating economic resources while providing opportunities for the community to access culture and fostering a cultural industry market within the community.

Hanoi has approximately 200 creative spaces, encompassing various models, from complexes hosting cultural activities to themed cafes and co-working spaces. However, many creative spaces face difficulties, with a significant number having to close prematurely; many exhibitions and performances encounter procedural obstacles, limiting their potential.

Those obstacles were gradually overcome. In December 2024, Hanoi officially established the Center for Coordinating Creative Activities. Exactly one year later, in December 2025, the city certified 82 Creative Cultural Spaces to participate in the Hanoi Creative Cultural Space Network.

Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, Director of the Center for Coordinating Creative Activities, shared: “After joining the Network, these spaces will receive much support such as: media promotion and networking; assistance with administrative procedures; connection with members of the UNESCO Global Creative Cities Network; funding for community-oriented activities; space for events... From this foundation, the creative community in Hanoi will make solid progress, helping to further spread the spirit of cultural creativity to everyone.”

GIANG NAM

Source: https://nhandan.vn/khoi-day-tiem-nang-sang-tao-trong-cong-dong-post932038.html