On May 29, 2026, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports officially launched the Digital Map of Hanoi’s Creative Cultural Spaces Network at the Circular Hall of the Hanoi Museum. The initiative marks a significant step in realizing Hanoi’s commitments as a UNESCO Creative City while establishing a platform to connect and mobilize the capital’s cultural and creative resources.
The event was attended by representatives of the Hanoi People’s Committee; Mr. Jonathan Baker, Head of the UNESCO Office in Vietnam; representatives of the Vietnam Association of Architects (VAA); representatives of SOVICO Group; leaders of relevant departments and agencies; as well as members of creative space networks and creative practitioners participating in the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2026.
Connecting Hanoi’s creative ecosystem
In recent years, Hanoi’s network of creative spaces has continued to expand in both scale and quality, gradually affirming its role in the city’s cultural and social life.
Various creative models have contributed to strengthening the links between culture, tourism, education, and digital technology; mobilizing social resources for cultural development; supporting the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage values; and fostering creativity, community engagement, and the image of Hanoi as a dynamic and culturally distinctive capital.
From independent art spaces and creative hubs to cultural enterprises, these creative nodes are helping shape a diverse ecosystem that connects artists, designers, architects, businesses, and the public.
Launch of the Digital Map of Hanoi’s creative cultural spaces network
Developed with the support of the UNESCO Office in Vietnam and SOVICO Group, the Digital Map serves as an online platform to connect, introduce, and promote creative spaces throughout Hanoi.
Through the platform, creative spaces can independently update information, promote events and projects, strengthen engagement with the public, and participate more actively in network-wide initiatives and the city’s creative and cultural programs.
More than a visual directory, the map is expected to become an essential tool in building Hanoi’s creative database, enhancing connections among creative spaces, encouraging cross-sector collaboration, and expanding the reach of creative cultural values throughout the community.
Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker, Head of the UNESCO Office in Vietnam, remarked: “In many ways, this digital map is more than just a platform. It reflects Hanoi’s evolving vision as a Creative City, where culture is recognized not only as memory and identity, but also as a driver of innovation, resilience, and sustainable development”.
According to UNESCO, the organization will continue supporting Hanoi and Vietnam in developing creative ecosystems and strengthening culture as a key pillar of sustainable development.
As part of the program, organizers officially unveiled the Digital Map of Hanoi’s Creative Cultural Spaces Network and launched a new phase of network activities.
The event also featured demonstrations and hands-on tutorials on using the platform, with participation from network members including SoA Music and Cool Vietnam.
According to Ms. Bui Thi Thanh Huong, Editor-in-Chief of Architecture Magazine and representative of the Vietnam Association of Architects, the launch of the Digital Map contributes to building a stronger network connecting individuals, organizations, and creative communities.
“Architects increasingly serve as conductors in activating heritage spaces, creating meaningful connections between architecture, art, and communities. However, innovation in heritage preservation is not solely the responsibility of architects; it also requires the participation of artists and creative communities. This interdisciplinary collaboration among art, architecture, and heritage forms the foundation for developing creative urban infrastructure”, she stated.
Preparations for Hanoi Festival of Creative Design 2026
A key focus of the program was outlining strategic directions for the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2026.
Building on the success of previous editions, this year’s festival is expected to expand in scale and feature a broader range of activities connecting art, design, technology, heritage, and creative communities.
Major themes will include activating heritage sites through creative interventions, encouraging the participation of young creative talents, developing design initiatives linked to urban life, and promoting the application of digital technology in cultural experiences.
During the event, network members exchanged ideas and proposed collaborative models aimed at creating a highly connected festival that further promotes creativity and celebrates Hanoi’s cultural identity.
Registration opens for the Hanoi Creative cultural spaces network 2026
The Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports also officially announced the opening of registration for the Hanoi Creative Cultural Spaces Network 2026.
The network aims to foster collaboration among creative spaces, cultural organizations, creative enterprises, community groups, and individuals working in culture, arts, design, and creative industries across Hanoi.
Members will gain opportunities to connect with domestic and international creative communities, participate in cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals, access training programs and professional workshops, and strengthen cooperation on community-based projects.
Eligible applicants include cultural and artistic spaces, creative centers, design studios, educational institutions, libraries, galleries, art workshops, community groups, and individuals or organizations operating in Hanoi’s creative and cultural sectors.
Applications are being accepted online through the registration portal: Tiêu chí không gian sáng tạo và hồ sơ đăng ký
Application Deadlines
- Round 1: Before June 30, 2026
- Round 2: Before September 30, 2026
Following submission, the Hanoi Creative Activities Coordination Center will review and evaluate applications and connect eligible participants to the network based on the City of Hanoi’s Creative Cultural Space Criteria Framework.
Anh Đức – TCKT.VN
© Vietnam Architecture Magazine
