The UNESCO Creative Cities Network was created in 2004 to promote cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development in the economic, social and environmental fields. Up to now, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network has 350 member cities in over 100 countries and territories, including 66 member cities in the field of Crafts and Folk Art. In 2023, after a strict evaluation process by the Secretariat and member cities on Hội An’s dossier and practical activities, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network Secretariat announced that Hội An is officially a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
In that joyful atmosphere, the city will organize the Announcement ceremony “Hội An’s designation to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2023” in An Hội Sculpture Garden, at 8:00 p.m, on December 31, 2023. It is part of a series of events closing 2023 and welcoming the new year 2024 with many expectations about Hội An city's creativity and development. Activities such as a photography exhibition, space for art installations, craft demonstrations, and folk art performances as part of the festival will be held in the ancient town and craft villages to introduce Hội An's creative field.
Crafts and Folk Art are outstanding strengths and fields that Hội An has preserved and promoted effectively in recent times. It currently has 5 traditional craft villages with nearly 50 craft professions including carpentry, pottery, lantern making, coconut/bamboo making, garment making, etc. The ecosystem of craft villages and communities, as well as the long-standing customs, activities, and beliefs of locals, have contributed to inspiring, forming, and nurturing the richness and diversity of multiple folk arts such as boat rowing singing (bả trạo), repartee chants (hò khoan), traditional bingo with singing (Bài Chòi), poems recital, 4 line-singing (hò vè), classical opera (hát Bội), ritual dance, etc. which truly and vividly reflect the socio-cultural characteristics of this land and become an essential part of the spiritual life of Hội An people. Those include the Art of Bài Chòi, which was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2017).
A large number of Hội An residents participate in crafts and folk art activities formally or informally; including three groups, laborers and self-employed engaged in craft production and sales, individual artists and artisans with professional associations who run their creative workshops, entrepreneurs and business operators in crafts and folk art. The city currently has 658 small businesses and 1710 household businesses engaged in crafts and folk art in total. An estimated 4000 direct employees are earning an average income of USD 3500-4000 per year from crafts and folk art.
Hội An is also a land of strong attraction and inspiration for domestic and international experts, creators, and artists to live and create in a variety of creative types and fields, as well as creative depth and content, making it one of attractive creative spaces in the country.
Joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network benefits Hội An in terms of positioning its brand, promoting its image in all fields of culture and creativity, attracting investment, and focusing on educational development programs as well as cultural and creative events for sustainable development. Hội An will be able to expand relationships; increase chances for international cooperation; access and absorb experiences and excellent values from international experts, UNESCO, other cities and countries; then apply them flexibly to its unique development model. The resources and strengths of Hội An’s history, culture, nature, and people will also be maximized in the right direction. This is the basis for the city to focus on introducing its images and policies to preserve and develop the cultural field more widely. Furthermore, Hội An can mobilize resources, knowledge, and creativity to focus on crafts and folk art activities, as well as other fields. At the same time, it provides chances for learning, education, and replication of innovative models; as well as creates a foundation for startup activities.
“Hội An - a UNESCO Creative City” is more than just a title; it is a goal to strive, fulfill commitments, and bring values and benefits to the community. In addition to continuing activities to preserve and promote crafts and folk art; Hội An will have to implement committed initiatives, create conditions and promote development and creativity in other fields, connect, exchange, and share experiences with other cities inside and outside the Network, strengthen activities to expand the network, etc.
***************
For further information, please contact: The Center for Culture, Sports, Radio and Television; Hội An city
Add.: 01 Cao Hồng Lãnh str.
Tel.: 02353.861327 - 0935006643 (Mr. Nguyên Vũ)
Email:trungtamvhtthoian@gmail.com    Fanpage: Visit Hoi An
Website: www. HoiAnCreativeCity.com - www.HoiAnWorldHeritage.org.vn