The values preserved and passed down through generations have become an enduring source of inspiration, nurturing the creativity of the local community so that every product, idea and experience carries the distinctive spirit of Hội An’s culture.
Inspired by this rich heritage, Hội An Creative Week 2026, themed “Embrace Heritage, Inspire Creativity,” is designed as a meeting point between tradition and innovation—a space where heritage becomes a source of creative expression, while creativity enriches and extends the value of heritage. Together, these elements create new momentum and open up opportunities for the sustainable development of culture and local communities in the future.
Taking place from 28 August to 2 September 2026 in Hội An Ancient Town, Hội An Creative Week 2026 will celebrate the 81st anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (2 September 1945–2 September 2026).
The event is also one of the key activities under the Da Nang People’s Committee’s plan to implement the development objectives of Hội An Creative Heritage City in the fields of crafts and folk art for the 2026–2027 period, with an orientation towards 2030.
onnecting heritage with contemporary creativity
A wide range of activities connecting heritage, traditional crafts and folk art with design, technology, education, markets and contemporary creative practices will be held at Sông Hoài Square, 1 Cao Hồng Lãnh Street; An Hội Sculpture Garden on Nguyễn Phúc Chu Street; Hội An Ancient Town; Hội An Theatre; museums; craft villages; and creative spaces across Hội An, Hội An Đông and Hội An Tây wards and Tân Hiệp Commune.
The event is directed by the Da Nang People’s Committee and hosted by the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with the UNESCO Office in Hanoi, UN-Habitat Viet Nam, municipal departments and agencies, local authorities, businesses, schools, artisans, artists and creative communities from within and beyond Hội An.
The Opening Ceremony will take place at 7:30 PM on 28 August 2026 at Sông Hoài Square. The programme will introduce outstanding artisans, artists and creative communities; officially launch the “Hội An Arts and Creative Spaces Map”; and feature artistic performances telling stories of craft villages, folk arts, heritage and creativity in Hội An.
A diverse programme of talks, training and creative experiences
Throughout Hội An Creative Week 2026, residents and visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a broad range of activities.
“Nghệ Cả Làng” Talkshow Series and “Digital Transformation of Craft Villages” Training Programme
Held at Sông Hoài Square, the “Nghệ Cả Làng” Talkshow Series will bring together experts and communities to share stories, initiatives and potential collaborations for the development of culture and creativity in Hội An.
Alongside the talks, the “Digital Transformation of Craft Villages” Training Programme will provide artisans and younger generations in local craft villages with practical skills in social media content management, product photography and the operation of online stores on e-commerce platforms.
The programme aims to strengthen participants’ capacity to promote local handicrafts and connect their products with wider markets.
“Embrace Tradition” Space
The “Embrace Tradition” space will feature art installations introducing Hội An’s traditional crafts and craft villages. Visitors will also be invited to engage directly with local materials and take part in hands-on creative activities.
“Inspire Creativity” Space
The “Inspire Creativity” space will present commercial booths and interactive activities developed by community groups, businesses and young creators.
The space will showcase multidisciplinary products inspired by the local cultural materials of Hội An and Da Nang, as well as the wider cultural diversity of Viet Nam.
Art, heritage and technology experiences
The programme will also include art performances, exhibitions, craft workshops, folk games and journeys connecting visitors with craft villages and creative spaces.
Technology will introduce new ways of engaging with heritage through GPS-based exploration, QR codes, artificial intelligence and interactive experiences designed for both residents and visitors.
Activating six key areas for the development of Hội An Creative Heritage City
Hội An Creative Week 2026 will contribute to the implementation of six key areas identified in the development plan for Hội An Creative Heritage City.
Through communications and community-based activities, the programme will raise public awareness of the role of creativity in preserving and promoting heritage.
Through talks, training programmes and activities for young people, the event will support human resource development, nurture the next generation and encourage wider community participation.
Through fairs, exhibitions, product showcases and partnership-building activities, the programme will create opportunities to develop new products, expand markets and strengthen the commercial potential of local handicrafts.
Through cultural exchange activities, the event will deepen connections between Hội An and artists, experts, businesses and creative communities in Viet Nam and abroad.
By activating Sông Hoài Square, Hội An Theatre, craft villages, museums and community spaces, the event will support the formation, development and connection of creative spaces across the area.
Through the Hội An Creative Map, QR codes, GPS technology, artificial intelligence and digital platforms, the programme will help integrate technology into heritage conservation, promotion, education and market development for cultural and creative products.
These directions align with the key development areas of communications, human resources, product development, cultural exchange, creative spaces and digital transformation.
Hội An opens its doors to creativity
Hội An Creative Week 2026 is built on the principle that the local community is at the heart of creativity, while the organisers act as connectors who enable dialogue, experimentation and collaboration. The event aims to create a shared space where everyone can participate in the creative process.
Artisans, artists, schools, businesses, social organisations, creative spaces and local communities are encouraged to organise supporting activities, share new initiatives and open their spaces to the public.
Every workshop, house, museum, shop and community venue can become a creative touchpoint. Every craft story, inherited technique and new idea contributes to the vitality of the city—a place where heritage continues to be practised, passed on and transformed through creativity every day.
Through Hội An Creative Week 2026, Hội An seeks to connect creative resources from Viet Nam and around the world, strengthen the capacity of local communities, expand market access for handicraft products and develop meaningful cultural experiences for residents and visitors.
Hội An Creative Week 2026
Theme: Embrace Heritage, Inspire Creativity
Time: 28 August–2 September 2026
Main venues: Sông Hoài Square, An Hội Sculpture Garden, Hội An Ancient Town, museums, craft villages and creative spaces throughout Hội An.
DANANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
