Hanoi aims to become a creative center of Asian photography

Photo Hanoi'25 is a follow-up event to the 2021 and 2023 exhibitions, demonstrating Hanoi's strong commitment to implementing cultural initiatives and projects under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, through diversifying art forms, promoting international cooperation and cultural integration, contributing to making Hanoi a regional creative hub.

On the afternoon of October 22, in Hanoi, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports in collaboration with the French Institute in Vietnam held a press conference to inform about the Photo Hanoi'25 International Photography Biennale. The event was co-organized by the Hanoi People's Committee and the French Embassy in Vietnam, chaired by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports and the French Institute in Vietnam, with the support of the UNESCO Office in Hanoi and a network of domestic and foreign partners.

Speaking at the press conference, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports Bach Lien Huong said that Photo Hanoi'25 is a continuation of the 2021 and 2023 exhibitions organized by the French Embassy in Vietnam, the Hanoi People's Committee and partners, with a larger scale and more international stature this year.

Director of Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports Bach Lien Huong speaks at the press conference. (Photo: Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports)

She affirmed that the event demonstrates Hanoi's strong commitment to implementing cultural initiatives and projects under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, through diversifying art forms, promoting international cooperation and cultural integration, contributing to making Hanoi a regional creative center.

According to Ms. Bach Lien Huong, Photo Hanoi'25 is a joint picture of the resonance and connection between organizations, units and individuals at home and abroad, with the desire to bring quality photography closer to the public. The event not only creates opportunities for Vietnamese and international artists to display their works and share creative experiences, but also contributes to raising awareness among society and businesses about the role of the creative cultural industry in the socio -economic development of the Capital.

The event attracted the attention of many photographers. (Photo: Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism)

The Photo Hanoi'25 International Photography Biennale will take place from November 1-30 in Hanoi, bringing together more than 170 visual artists, photographers, curators and experts from 21 countries and 25 accompanying professional organizations. Activities will be spread across more than 20 locations across Hanoi, with 22 solo and group exhibitions, and 29 sideline programs such as film screenings, workshops, discussions, book launches, art tours and photography portfolio reviews.

According to Mr. Éric Soulier, Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Activities, Director of the French Institute in Vietnam, Photo Hanoi'25 is a testament to the long-standing relationship of cooperation, dialogue and trust between France and Vietnam, as well as the development of the international artist community. According to him, this year's Biennale aims at a decentralized, community project, bringing photography out of traditional exhibition spaces, into urban life and public spaces, making it easier for the public to access art.

After two seasons in 2021 and 2023, the program has attracted more than 170,000 visitors, 200 articles and 5 million social media views. This year, the event continues to expand in scale, hoping to contribute to positioning Hanoi as a creative meeting point in the field of photography in Asia and an attractive destination for the visual arts community.

Organizers and guests take souvenir photos. (Photo: Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism)

Exhibitions within the framework of Photo Hanoi'25 are held at many cultural institutions such as the Exhibition House at 45 Trang Tien, 93 Dinh Tien Hoang, the Center for Culture and Arts at 22 Hang Buom, 2 Le Thai To, 49 Tran Hung Dao... and familiar art spaces such as the French Institute in Vietnam, Japan Foundation, Casa Italia, Vincom Center for Contemporary Art (VCCA), Complex 01, Long Bien Art Space, Matca, S+ Six Senses Space, Chau & Co gallery. In addition, the exhibition also appears in public spaces such as Dien Hong flower garden, Hoan Kiem lake area, the wall of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam and the facade of the French Embassy.

Not only a professional meeting place for photographers, Photo Hanoi'25 also brings a colorful "visual feast" to the public and visitors. The exhibitions range from historical memories, urban landscapes to global issues such as climate change, the relationship between humans and nature. Hand-made photography practices, taking photos with old-fashioned cameras, lumen printing, making handmade photo books... will help viewers not only admire but also directly participate in the creative process.

With its scale, content and wide spread, the Photo Hanoi'25 International Photography Biennale is expected to contribute to promoting the image and cultural and tourism brand of Hanoi, while promoting exchange, cooperation and development of creative cultural industries in the field of photography.

Photo Hanoi'25 recognizes the special role of foreign embassies, delegations and cultural centers such as the European Union Delegation, the Embassy of France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Ireland, the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation, Japan Foundation, British Council, Goethe Institute, Casa Italia, Czech Cultural Center in Vietnam... in connecting and supporting artists. At the same time, many international organizations such as the French Institute in Paris, Pro Helvetia, Magnum Photo, National University of Photography Arles, Photo Phnom Penh Festival, La Station culturelle also participate in supporting exhibitions and professional activities.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/ha-noi-huong-toi-trung-tam-sang-tao-ve-nhiep-anh-chau-a-217124.html