From 28 August to 2 September 2026, Hoi An Creative Week 2026, themed “A Journey to Touch Heritage, Touch Creativity”, will present a series of cultural, artistic and experiential activities across many of Hoi An’s distinctive spaces.
With the local community at the heart of the creative process, the event aims to bring together artisans, residents, designers, young people, brands and creative communities. Through encounters, dialogue and hands-on practice, traditional values will not only be introduced but also passed on, reimagined and brought into contemporary life.
A Creative Journey Across Hoi An
The spaces of Hoi An Creative Week 2026 will extend from Song Hoai Square, An Hoi Sculpture Garden and the Ancient Town to museums, craft villages, community venues and creative spaces throughout the area.
Each location will become part of an exploratory journey, where the public can discover stories connected to the land, its people, traditional crafts and Hoi An’s cultural life through exhibitions, performances, talks, workshops and interactive experiences.
Rather than simply observing, participants will be able to engage directly with materials, techniques and creative processes, gaining a deeper appreciation of the cultural significance behind each product, craft and artistic practice.
Discovering Traditional Values Through Experience
At the “Touch Tradition” space and the exhibitions held as part of the event, the public will explore stories of traditional crafts, local techniques and folk art forms preserved across generations.
Hands-on activities using local materials will give visitors the opportunity to take part in selected stages of production, learn about artisans’ skills and experience the care and creativity embedded in each handcrafted product.
Through these activities, traditional crafts are presented not merely as memories of the past, but as living sources of inspiration that continue to be practised and developed today.
Conversations on Crafts, Villages and New Directions
The “Nghe Ca Lang” talk series will create a multidimensional space for dialogue on the value of traditional crafts, the role of communities and the ability of craft villages to adapt to changing contexts.
Artisans, experts, designers and creative practitioners will exchange perspectives on contemporary artistic practices, the use of local materials and appropriate development directions for Hoi An based on respect for heritage.
Alongside these discussions, the “Craft Villages Go Digital” training programme will continue to support artisans and younger generations in developing skills in content management, product photography and the operation of online stores on e-commerce platforms.
The programme will help craft products reach wider audiences through more modern approaches while preserving their stories, handcrafted values and the unique identity of their makers.
Where Creative Products Tell Their Own Stories
At the “Touch Creativity” space, artisans, designers, brands and creative communities will meet and engage directly with the public.
Each product will be introduced not only through its appearance or function, but also through the story of its materials, techniques, production process and underlying ideas. Participants can speak with creators, learn about the origins of each product and better understand the relationship between craftsmanship, design and local life.
This will also provide an opportunity for handcrafted products and creative brands to reach the market, connect with customers, meet potential partners and explore new forms of collaboration.
When Art Becomes Part of Urban Life
The atmosphere of Hoi An Creative Week 2026 will spread throughout the city through a series of artistic performances, museum workshops, activities at creative spaces and journeys to discover traditional craft villages.
Traditional arts and contemporary practices will appear together on stages, in the streets and at community venues. This interplay offers an accessible way for the public to experience heritage through sound, movement, visual expression and direct participation.
From performances and craft workshops to conversations with artisans, each activity will contribute to telling the story of Hoi An in a vivid language that can engage a wide range of audiences.
Exploring Heritage Through Technology
Alongside cultural and artistic activities, technology will introduce new ways of engaging with Hoi An’s heritage sites and creative spaces.
Through GPS-based journeys, QR codes, interactive content and challenges at individual destinations, visitors can independently explore cultural sites, craft villages and creative spaces along their own routes.
The combination of on-site experiences and digital platforms will make heritage information more visual and accessible while encouraging participants to observe, learn and interact more deeply with each space.
Continuing Local Identity Through Creativity
Hoi An Creative Week 2026 is where craftsmanship meets design, folk art meets technology, and local artisans meet creative communities from within and beyond Hoi An.
Each encounter opens a new perspective on the heritage city, where local culture is not confined to the past but continues to be practised, passed on and transformed into new values every day.
Through the event, the long-term vision of Hoi An as a Creative Heritage City will be brought closer to community life. It will also provide an opportunity for residents, visitors, artisans, young people and creative practitioners to meet, exchange ideas and continue writing new stories for Hoi An.
DA NANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
