Young artists and the new creative rhythm in Hanoi

Director of Hanoi's Department of Culture and Sports, Bạch Liên Hương, emphasised that the Photo Hanoi '25 International Photography Biennale has created a special cultural mark, leaving beautiful impressions on participating artists, the Hanoi public, photography enthusiasts, and international friends and visitors.

Besides the image of a thousand-year-old Hanoi with robust infrastructure and economic growth, the city is also witnessing notable shifts in contemporary art life. Many young artists, though not yet big names, are quietly making their mark through photography exhibitions, installation art, performances, and independent creative spaces. Their emergence not only reflects the changing urban rhythm but is also tied to Hanoi's strategy to develop as a regional creative hub.

Expanding art spaces and emerging young artists

In recent years, Hanoi has seen an increase in open and interdisciplinary contemporary art events. Photo Hanoi '25, the first international photography biennale in Vietnam, initiated by the French Institute under the auspices of the Hanoi People's Committee and UNESCO, has created a forum connecting young Vietnamese artists with the international creative community. Exhibitions at the Vincom Centre for Contemporary Art (VCCA), along with numerous seminars and specialised art tours in 2024–2025, indicate that the capital's art environment is becoming increasingly professionalised.

The art auction of nine young painters at the beginning of 2026, with 50% of the proceeds going to charity, reflects a generation of artists who are not only focused on creativity but also aware of their social responsibilities. At the community level, large-scale group exhibitions like "Local Essence" demonstrate the growing number of young artists engaging in creative activities in Hanoi.

The "Local Essence" exhibition follows the illustration contest of the same name, organised by UNESCO, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, the Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board, in collaboration with the Cultural & Creative Enterprise TiredCity, with the support of SOVICO Group.

Art reflecting urban rhythm and identity

Many works by young artists explore quintessentially Hanoi slices: old apartment blocks, collective housing, small streets, urban lights, and the interplay between ancient architecture and new skyscrapers. Hanoi, in its creations, is not just heritage but a city in transformation.

According to Hoang Minh Chau, founder of Chau & Co Gallery, Hanoi's young artist community is currently experimenting with new creative languages, seeking to build an independent voice rather than repeating traditional patterns. Within the framework of Photo Hanoi, photographer Thinh Le also shared that Hanoi's multi-layered imagery provides a special source of inspiration for artists.

This reflection helps art become part of the urban development process – not only recording changes but also engaging in dialogue with them.

Capital's creative policies and ecosystem

The movement of young art is intertwined with the city's development orientation. In 2019, Hanoi joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of Design, demonstrating its commitment to promoting cultural industries.

The Hanoi People's Committee has tasked the Department of Culture & Sports with spearheading plans to develop the creative ecosystem, organising the annual Hanoi Creative Design Festival, and utilising heritage and old industrial spaces as art venues. Additionally, the Strategy for Cultural Industries Development by 2025, with a vision to 2030, identifies fine arts, photography, and exhibitions as key areas.

International cooperation with the French Institute, the British Council, and various foreign cultural organisations helps expand exchange opportunities for young Hanoi artists, enabling them to access regional and global networks.

However, some opinions suggest that many young artists still face challenges in transitioning from training to professional practice due to limited resources and stable spaces – indicating that the creative ecosystem still needs long-term strengthening.

Young art in Hanoi's development strategy

In the comprehensive development process – from infrastructure and economy to culture – contemporary art becomes part of the urban brand. A city with a vibrant art life will be more attractive to creative professionals, cultural investors, and international tourists.

Hanoi's young artists may not yet be household names, but they are quietly shaping the capital's creative landscape. Through exhibitions, community projects, and international collaborations, they help affirm that Hanoi is not only a city of heritage but also a space producing contemporary art – quietly yet persistently.

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