‘Applied Fine Arts and Heritage: From Traditional Values to Contemporary Designs’ was the theme of an international scientific conference held on the morning of October 29 at the University of Arts, Hue University. The University of Arts and Udon Thani Rajabhat University of Thailand jointly organized this conference.

From October 22 to 26, the first Vietnam Calligraphy Festival 2026, themed ‘Vietnamese Soul through Brushstrokes’, will take place in Co Mat Vien, No. 33 Tong Duy Tan St., Phu Xuan Ward. The event will feature a wide range of activities, including exhibitions, cultural exchanges and discussions, as well as hands-on calligraphy experiences.

On October 14 in Hanoi, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Hue City People’s Committee signed an Action plan for cooperation on the development of culture, sports, and tourism through 2030. Hue City is the first locality to sign such a cooperation plan, aiming to tap into the potential and advantages of the city as a heritage city, a Festival City, and a distinctive cultural center of Vietnam.

As Hue moves toward its goal of becoming a distinctive heritage city and a major cultural and tourism hub for Vietnam and Southeast Asia by 2030, external relations, particularly cultural diplomacy, are taking on a strategic role. This is what Vice Chairman of Hue City People’s Committee Tran Huu Thuy Giang announced about how Hue can turn its cultural ‘soft power’ into a driving force for sustainable socio-economic development.

The singer Nguyen Dinh Tuan Dung, who is well-known for his performances of classical and sentimental music, will be the lead vocalist at the ‘Nhin nhung mua thu di’ (Contemplating Autumns Go By) music night, taking place on the evening of September 25 at Kien Trung Palace stage in Hue Imperial Citadel.

Over 200 artifacts made of gold, silver, and other precious materials, ranging from royal gifts and ritual objects to jewelry and everyday items, … are on display at the thematic exhibition ‘Precious Metal Artifacts under the Nguyen Dynasty - From the Royal Court to Folk Life’, which opened on the morning of September 22.

Drawing on the woodblock prints of traditional Vietnamese folk painting genres such as Dong Ho, Hang Trong, Kim Hoang, and Lang Sinh, the Woodblock Art Experience Space at 23-25 Le Loi Street brings visitors closer to traditional art. Beyond contemplating the artworks, visitors can try printing and coloring the woodblocks while discovering the stories and cultural values behind each piece.

Beyond learning the melodies and repertoire of Ca Hue (Hue-Singing), teachers who complete the training program are seen as an ‘extended arm’ for passing on this ‘signature’ art form of Hue.

On the morning of September 8, the Hue Union of Science and Technology Associations held a scientific seminar titled ‘Seeking Input from the Intellectual Community on the Orientation for Hue’s socio-economic Development in the new phase’.

As part of Vietnam - Japan Local Cooperation Forum 2026 in Hue City, on the afternoon of September 5th, leaders of Hue City and Nara Prefecture (Japan) met to discuss cooperation between the two localities.