The annual event, organised since 2023 by ART SPACE—an international association for education and cultural exchange—has steadily grown in popularity.

Visitors join a cultural workshop at the event.

This year’s edition featured various activities including film screenings, concerts, art exhibitions, cultural workshops, school programmes, and community outreach.

Aimed at showcasing Vietnamese culture through the eyes of young people, the event brought together Vietnamese and Vietnamese-origin youth from across the globe—including Canada, Australia, Belgium, Italy, France, and Viet Nam.

A central highlight of the week was the screening of the documentary ‘Hands That Preserve the Traditional Flame’ at the Lutétia cinema.

Created under the Toucher Arts project by young Vietnamese filmmakers worldwide, the film offered a journey through five iconic craft villages: Chuong conical hats, Bat Trang ceramics, Chang Son paper fans, Thach Xa bamboo dragonflies, and Dong Ho folk paintings.

Blending creative storytelling with intergenerational insight, the film explored the passion of artisans and the challenges of safeguarding tradition in a digital world.

“A friend invited me to watch the film,” said 14-year-old Hector from Nantes. “I met many Vietnamese people and learned a lot about their culture. My favourite part was the fan-making village.”

Marie Nguyen, resident of Saint-Herblain: “I’ve been to Viet Nam 15 times. I truly thank you for this film and your wonderful culture. I especially loved the story of the bamboo dragonfly artisan and the beautiful Dong Ho paintings.”

Visitors also had the chance to take part in hands-on workshops, trying their hand at crafting paper fans, Dong Ho paintings, and bamboo dragonflies—gaining a deeper appreciation of Vietnamese craftsmanship.

The event also featured Brilliant Viet Nam exhibition, displaying 150 selected artworks from nearly 1,000 entries by Vietnamese children from 17 countries.

The pieces reflected celebrated cultural heritages, such as Hue folk singing, Quan Ho love duets, Central Highlands gong dances, the Do Son buffalo-fighting festival, and Cham pottery.

Another segment titled ‘A Journey Through Viet Nam’ showcased 30 works by students from Olympia School (Ha Noi), portraying regions and culinary specialities from across the country.

Visitors young and old responded enthusiastically. “We tried calligraphy, decorated fans, and created Dong Ho paintings,” said Nantes resident Vincent Kozlik. “It was a joyful and friendly atmosphere.”

Doriance Brun, from Saint-Herblain, added: “My daughters and I have attended ART SPACE events for three years. We enjoyed an hour of art, food, and crafts—it’s something we always look forward to.”

The week’s festivities were well received by local authorities, with Saint-Herblain Mayor Bertrand Affilé and several deputy mayors in attendance.

“I sincerely thank ART SPACE for this outstanding exhibition and the rich cultural offering they’ve brought to our city,” said Mayor Affilé. “Thanks to them, many residents now have a greater understanding of Vietnamese culture, food, and people. I know six months of preparation went into this, and the result is remarkable.”

Viet Nam Week drew hundreds of participants across age groups, including children, young people, and the elderly.

In addition to engaging primary schools, the programme reached senior associations, who enjoyed Vietnamese music performed by the Olympia School Choir and bonded with young Vietnamese volunteers—fostering intergenerational and intercultural exchange.

French attendees also lent their support as volunteers, enthusiastically sharing their own culture with visiting Vietnamese youth.

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