Vietnam Festival of Creativity & Design 2023 arrives in Hanoi

This year’s festival theme, "Mind & Machine," explores the critical role of design at the intersection between technology and humanity through talks, seminars, exhibitions, and other activities.

The festival previously took place in HCMC from Nov. 13–19.

Initiated in 2019, VFCD is organized by RMIT University Vietnam in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies (VICAS), and their creative industry partners.

As the focal point of VFCD 2023, the "Mind & Machine" exhibition features works from over 10 researchers, artists, and artist groups. Photo courtesy of VFCD

According to Professor Julia Gaimster, Dean of the RMIT School of Communication & Design and head of the organizing committee, technology has been a driving force for innovation and transformation but also a source of challenges and dilemmas.

"As we enter a new era of digitalization and automation, we need to ask ourselves: How can we harness the potential of technology and its tools to enhance our creativity and productivity? How can we cope with the risks and uncertainties that technology and its tools may bring to our society and culture? How can we balance the human and the machine, mind and matter, art and science?"

In a bid to answer such questions, the focal point of this year’s festival is the Mind & Machine exhibition.

Open for free admission, the showcase features physical, digital, and interactive works using new technologies such as AR, VR, and AI.

Visitors to the exhibition interacted with creative technology. Photo courtesy of VFCD

Other highlights of the festival in Hanoi include a symposium on creative intelligence and the impact on "Future Heritage" in Vietnam, a workshop on encoded textile heritage futures, and a talk on Hanoi in 2048.

Since its inception, VFCD has supported the national strategy for the development of cultural industries in Vietnam, including establishing a strong connection between the country's cultural development and socio-economic growth.

The festival also contributes to the formation of a "creative belt" across the country through the eventual expansion of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in Vietnam.

Distinguished guests at the VFCD opening ceremony in Hanoi. Photo courtesy of VFCD

2023 marks both the fifth anniversary of the festival and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Australia.

Over the years, VFCD has consistently engaged creative professionals from both countries.

"VFCD features cultural collaboration between the two countries and celebrates the opportunities that creative partnerships can create," Professor Julia Gaimster said.

Visit here for more information about VFCD 2023.