As part of the Hoi An International Lantern Festival 2026, the Hoi An Lantern Pattern Design and Creative Applications Contest “Weaving Light 2026” invites designers and the creative community to explore traditional lantern-making heritage, develop innovative ideas, and apply them to products for contemporary life.
Organized by the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center, the contest draws inspiration from the distinctive elements of traditional lantern making, including materials, structures, shaping techniques, and the cultural spaces of the craft, connecting traditional craftsmanship with modern design thinking.
From Heritage Inspiration to Creative Products
Participants will develop their design ideas through three steps:
- Step 1: Explore design inspiration from traditional Hoi An lantern making, including materials, structures, shaping techniques, and the cultural spaces associated with the craft.
- Step 2: Develop an original pattern system with a distinctive visual language, including a core motif, supporting patterns, a color palette, and application rules.
- Step 3: Apply the pattern system to contemporary products such as creative lanterns, clothing, accessories, homeware, packaging, stationery, souvenirs, or handicrafts, accompanied by a feasible production plan.
Opportunities to Bring Creative Ideas to Life with Hoi An Artisans
In addition to prizes totaling VND 15 million, qualifying designs will have the opportunity to collaborate with Hoi An artisans to create physical prototypes.
These products will be displayed alongside 15 outstanding design ideas at Sông Hoài Square during the Hoi An International Lantern Festival 2026, taking place from December 3 to 6, 2026.
Through the contest, traditional lantern-making heritage is reinterpreted through contemporary design, fostering connections between Hoi An’s cultural heritage and modern creativity.
Registration Information
- Registration deadline: Before 11:59 PM on November 19, 2026.
- Total prize value: VND 15 million.
- Registration and contest information: https://forms.gle/TbmpAu6GA7FTUxXY6
Source: Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center
DA NANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
