‘Following the community heritage 2026’: Unlocking creative potential from Vietnamese heritage
WVR - On July 17 in Hanoi, the competition "Following the Community Heritage 2026" was officially launched. The program targets young designers and independent creative groups, encouraging the exploration of local cultural values in design products.
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| "Following the Community Heritage 2026" is a creative playground in response to the Contemporary Craft Development Program based on the Heritage of Craft Villages within the framework of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2026. (Source: Organizing Committee) |
In the context of an increasingly competitive design market heavily influenced by international trends, elements rich in cultural identity are becoming a distinctive advantage. Patterns, materials, craftsmanship, or traditional architecture, when transformed through contemporary design thinking, can create products that are both culturally significant and commercially valuable.
However, many young designers face challenges in realizing their ideas due to lack of funding, limited connections with craft villages and production units, and insufficient opportunities to engage with cultural experts to ensure the heritage is utilized correctly.
Aiming to address these barriers, "Following the Community Heritage 2026" is envisioned as an "incubator" for young creators aged 21-30. The competition encourages participants to develop ideas or products based on the tangible heritage of three communities: Bat Trang pottery village, Ha Thai lacquer painting village, and the crafts of the Mong people in Che Cu Nha (Mu Cang Chai).
In addition to a total cash prize of over 50 million VND, the competition also opens up opportunities for collaboration with businesses to develop commercial products. Promising projects will participate in a 1-1 training program with cultural experts and designers, and experience a 5-day field trip to craft villages to conduct practical research, connect with artisans, and understand the production process.
Representing the Organizing Committee, Ms. Pham Minh Hien shared: “We believe that the most sustainable way to preserve culture is to let young people freely tell the heritage story in their own design language. Our role is to equip them with sufficient resources, both financially and professionally, so they can confidently bring that story to life.”
| "Following the Community Heritage 2026" is an activity in response to the Contemporary Craft Development Program based on the Heritage of Craft Villages within the framework of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2026. The program is organized by TUVA Communication, under the patronage of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival; supported by the British Council in Vietnam, the Center for Research & Promotion of Cultural Heritage Values (CCH), Craft Link, and accompanied by Hanoi Grapevine and Heritage Art Space for communication. The competition accepts submissions from June 22 to July 31. Information about the program is updated on the Digital Heritage Collection fanpage. |
