Hanoi’s August Revolution Square came alive on the evening of November 9 as the Hanoi Festival of Creative Design 2024 launched a nine-day celebration of innovation and culture.
Under the theme “Creative Intersection”, the festival transforms seven of the capital’s most iconic landmarks into vibrant hubs of creativity, drawing visitors from near and far.
At the opening ceremony, Vu Thu Ha, Deputy Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, highlighted the festival’s role in elevating Hanoi’s cultural identity.
“This annual festival is not just an event. It’s a promise to the people and a step toward solidifying Hanoi’s position as a leading creative city in Asia,” she said.
Ha also highlighted the festival’s focus on community involvement, with artists and locals collaborating to present a truly inclusive celebration.
UNESCO’s Vietnam Representative Jonathan Baker echoed Ha’s sentiments, describing the event as a pivotal moment in Hanoi’s creative journey.
“The Hanoi Festival of Creative Design is one of many initiatives that showcase Hanoi’s unprecedented progress towards its vision of becoming Vietnam’s creative capital and a leading regional hub for innovation,” he said.
“This year’s festival provides a unique opportunity to expose the public to Hanoi’s remarkable architectural heritage. For the first time, the Government Guest House will be open to visitors, and guided tours will also be offered at the Hanoi Opera House, the Children’s Palace and the National Museum of History. I encourage everyone to seize this wonderful opportunity to explore Hanoi’s cultural treasures in all their grandeur,” the UNESCO representative added.
The 2024 festival comes during a landmark year for Vietnam’s collaboration with UNESCO. Baker applauded Hanoi’s commitment to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, citing the city’s growing reputation as a regional hub for innovation and cultural exchange.
Beyond the festivities, Hanoi has been steadily working to build a thriving creative ecosystem.
This year, the city established an advisory council and set up dedicated spaces for creative projects, all while preparing to launch the Hanoi Creative Activities Coordination Center.
This new hub aims to unite artists, innovators, and community groups, fostering collaboration across the cultural and design sectors.
As visitors explore the festival’s offerings – from art installations to interactive workshops – they’re experiencing more than just a celebration of design; they’re witnessing the culmination of a vision.
Hanoi is proving that creativity isn’t just an idea – it’s the city’s heartbeat, driving growth, unity, and inspiration for all.
With a growing network of partnerships and a clear vision for the future, Hanoi is poised to redefine itself not just as Vietnam’s capital but as a beacon of innovation for the entire region.
This year’s festival is only the beginning of what promises to be a transformative decade for the city.
