Hanoi aims to become creative capital in Southeast Asia

Hanoi has taken its first steps to realize its goal of becoming a creative capital in Southeast Asia. -Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Hanoi has taken its first steps to realize its goal of becoming a creative capital in Southeast Asia since it became an official member of the UNESCO's Network of Creative Cities two years ago.

The municipal authorities are seeking further measures to accelerate the transformation of cultural resources to promote creativity.

Although the city is yet to have a mechanism to promote creative activities and the transformation of cultural resources, many organizations, units and individuals have actively invested in and implemented creative activities in the capital. 

A creative space in Phuc Tan ward of Hoan Kiem district. (Photo: VNA)

Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature Complex), is one of the most popular relics and tourist destinations in Hanoi and the country at large, attracting millions of visitors every year. The management board of the complex has coordinated with other agencies to create many cultural activities and products. 

The Ho Van (Literature Lake), a part of the Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam, which was previously just a place for people to exercise, has been turned into a space for cultural activities and display of cultural products, such as calligraphy activities.

Additionally, seminars and exhibitions on culture have been organised on the inner area of the complex. Night tours to the complex have been developed with the hope of attracting more visitors. 

Experts and architects have put forth many ideas to turn a myriad of old factories into creative hubs. The formation of Complex 01 in Son Tay (Dong Da district), 282 Design complex in Phu Vien (Long Bien district), and L'Espace French Cultural Centre (Hoan Kiem district)  are proof of the initial success of exploiting industrial heritage for creativity.

According to Assoc. Prof., Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong, deputy director of the Vietnam Institute of Cultural and Arts Studies (VICAS), Hanoi has witnessed great changes in term of design, significantly contributing to awakening cultural resources and promoting development of cultural products and services. 

Managers as well as the creative circle agree that the municipal authorities need to consider creativity as a motivation for sustainable development in the capital city. 

They underlined the need for the involvement of authorities, businesses, investors and people in this scheme. /.