The vibrant emerging culture is one of the thing firstly mentioned when talking about Viet Nam. Despite the history of authoritarian, the country’s contemporary culture is young, bold and dynamic; thus resulting in an exciting art scene. Hanoi has its art community growing like never before. and for so reason; this article will be served as a guide for contemporary art enthusiasts who are seeking for the hottest spots that offer an alternative space alongside with the already- established and traditional art approach.
1.Manzi by Tram Vu
Founded in 2012 with 2 other friends, Manzi is a popular art space among artists based in a 20thcentury French villa on the quiet Phan Huy Ich Str. The indie place offers exotic exhibitions, installations, live music, meet n’ greet workshops. It is also a cafe & bar. Being now one of the key players in Hanoi’s burgeoning contemporary arts scene, Tram Vu thinks that the purpose of Manzi is to attract  ;and help more people to understand contemporary art as it helps reflect the currents of society by bringing elements of real life to the work.
2. Tadioto & Moto-san by poet Nguyen Qui Duc
Opened back in 2006 on the right of Hanoi Opera House, what Taidioto exhibit is the owner’s personal gallery collection. As a bar/restaurant, Tadioto is an ideal meeting space for art hobbyist, he also runs Moto-san “Super” noodle, which is a micro cafe heavily inspired by the zen-like deep-rooted from Japanese culture. “Hanoi is a city full of changes, almost on a daily basis. If you look carefully enough, you will see the old next to the new and, at times, you can imagine yourself in a very different time.” -The acclaimed poet speaks his mind on the current art scene of Hanoi.
Source: Internet
Source: Internet
3.DOCLAB
Appeared on the map since 2009, DOCLAB is worth checking, if you seek an unusual contemporary art experience in Hanoi. Like the name suggests, the place is utmost a lab itself. Unlike experiencing a conventional gallery, visitors can discover a large database of exclusive video art and documentaries. Space is highly regarded for it’s a non-traditional approach to exhibitionism of experimental documentary. It is also a place for a great many workshops, courses, and discussions about the most current art (especially cinematography) practice creating a constructive community for young film students.
4.Institut Français de Hanoï
L’espace is one of the crucial hosts for the current art scene. As a culture center, L’espace is subtly unaffected by the strict censorship of the authority, which gives artists the freedom they need to express sensitive topics. Dedicated to promoting cross-cultural exchange, the place is greatly engaged in bringing international art scene to the heart of Hanoi. You can explore contemporary art here via classes, lectures, movies, readings, performances, and exhibitions; also a wide variety of music events performed by French and Vietnamese artists such as opera concerts and jazz cabaret nights.
5.Nha San Collective
Nha San Collective is the smaller branch of Nha San Studio that is based in Hanoi, it is a non-profit, and artist-led organization. Leaders of NS Collective is a group of talented local artists who wish to support the rapid flow of contemporary art in Viet Nam. Located in Ly Quoc Su Street – the center of the Capital city, geographically accessible, Nha San Collective provides financial and emotional supports to local contemporary artists, as well as to host exchange programs between Vietnamese and international artists. It not only organizes open calls to cultivate young artists, then later hosts exhibitions, the space also encourages art lovers to join in the thought-provoking discussion of what is art? The above mentioned are perfect for those who are seeking a place to indulge and submerge in the contemporary Hanoi art scene, to relax, share knowledge, and find peace in being oneself. Happy Tet Holiday folks !
ALTERNATIVE ART PRACTICE 