The British Council is excited to announce the launch of the UK/Vietnam Season 2023 program. This unique series of cultural and educational events will be held from now until December, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the bilateral ties between Vietnam and the UK. Join us as we embark on a journey of collaboration and exploration, showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of both nations. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to engage with the arts, education, and innovation, and strengthen the bond between our two countries.
One of the fascinating projects funded by the program is Our Place in Space. Created collaboratively by artist Oliver Jeffers and scientist Professor Stephen Smartt, this project presents a captivating model of the solar system. Its primary focus is to explore how our perspective of Earth changes when viewed from space. By combining art and science, Our Place in Space provides a unique and thought-provoking experience that encourages viewers to contemplate their place in the universe.
| An illustration of Our Place in Space project. Photo: British Council |
Our Place in Space is excited to announce the upcoming project we have planned for central Hanoi in November. We will be creating an interactive three-dimensional (3D) art sculpture trail in various parks and lakes throughout the city. This unique installation will be available for the public to explore and enjoy for a two-week period. Stay tuned for more updates and details on this immersive experience!
The project will be implemented by a highly skilled and innovative creative team consisting of professionals from both the United Kingdom and Vietnam. This dynamic team is being led by Nerve Center, a renowned organization based in the UK, along with the expertise of Think Playgrounds from Vietnam.
Another notable aspect is The Field of Heritage, which is a unique collaborative project featuring music and visual arts. The aim of this project is to gain a comprehensive understanding of different ethnic minority communities. By combining these two disciplines, The Field of Heritage provides a distinct approach to exploring and celebrating cultural diversity.
According to musician Quoc Trung, The Field of Heritage draws inspiration from the distinctive landscape, traditional instruments, costumes, colors, and sounds of the Northwest region. With its debut set to take place at the Monsoon Music Festival in 2023, this project promises to celebrate and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the area.
| An illustration of musician Quoc Trung’s project. Photo: British Council |
“I am thrilled and filled with excitement as the upcoming project will be sponsored by UK/Vietnam Season 2023. This collaboration will bring talented artists together to showcase the captivating beauty of the country and its people, particularly focusing on the enchanting Northwest region. The project aims to strike a harmonious balance between the urban and rural areas, seamlessly blending innovation with the rich traditions that define Vietnam. Furthermore, it will also highlight the importance of technology development while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental preservation. Renowned musician Quoc Trung expressed his enthusiasm about this endeavor, emphasizing the tremendous opportunity it presents to uplift and celebrate Vietnam’s remarkable cultural heritage.”
The British Council will also lend their support to the Roots and Worlds ecological photography project, as well as Cities in Sync, a music development project that connects Hanoi and Sheffield.
Tackling climate change is a key focus of the UK/Vietnam Season, highlighting the joint commitment of both countries’ citizens and governments. This shared priority underscores the importance of addressing the impacts of climate change and working collaboratively to find solutions.
Another key theme of the UK/Vietnam Season is shared heritage, where participants will come together to share, reflect, and explore the deep connections between the UK and Vietnam through their cultural heritage. The Season will showcase a wide range of diverse programs that highlight the richness of the special relationship between the two countries. These programs will include unique performances at major music festivals, providing a sonic journey that allows residents from Hue City to Manchester City to experience the essence of each other’s cultures.
| The MOU signing between the British Council and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Photo: British Council |
During the UK/Vietnam Season, the British Council in Vietnam fostered greater collaboration with the Government through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST).
Scott McDonald, the Chief Executive of the British Council, expressed his optimism that the UK/Viet Nam Season would strengthen the bond between the UK and Vietnam. This event was seen as an opportunity for individuals from both countries to strengthen existing connections and establish new creative collaborations in the fields of English, education, arts, and culture. These areas were regarded as powerful forces that can bring people together from across the globe.
PhD Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation at the MCST, highlighted the long-standing partnership between the British Council and the ministry. Their collaboration aims to enhance the relationship between the UK and Vietnam while also promoting the growth of arts and culture in the country.
“Our cultural heritage is not only a valuable source of creativity and innovation, but also a vital resource that we are dedicated to fostering and promoting. We firmly believe in the power of new initiatives and creations that are influenced by our shared heritage. It is through the establishment of dialogues and the cultivation of new narratives that we can effectively draw inspiration from our collective history and form a deeper connection between our nations,” she passionately expressed.
