Jonathan Wallace Baker, head of the UNESCO Office in Vietnam, speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)
At a press briefing on the event on October 22, Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports Bach Lien Huong said Photo Hanoi’25 continues the success of a photography project jointly organised by the Hanoi People’s Committee, the French Embassy, and various cultural and artistic partners in 2021 and 2023.
This year, the biennale will feature 22 solo and group exhibitions, accompanied by 29 side events including film screenings, seminars, thematic discussions, book launches, and art tours.
Huong noted that the programme aims to promote the cultural potential of the capital while raising public awareness of the role of creative industries in socio-economic development. Eric Soulier, counsellor for cooperation and cultural affairs at the French Embassy and Director of the French Institute in Vietnam, highlighted that this year’s edition stands out for its quality and diversity. He described it as a bridge connecting heritage and innovation, linking renowned artists with Vietnam’s contemporary photography movement.
Jonathan Wallace Baker, head of the UNESCO Office in Vietnam, emphasised the openness of the biennale as its most distinctive feature. Exhibitions will not only take place in museums and galleries but also expand into heritage sites, public spaces, and parks, effectively turning the city into a living exhibition.
The event, he said, demonstrates the strong commitment of Hanoi as a UNESCO creative city where creativity extends beyond cultural institutions to become an integral part of urban life.
