200-yr-old village communal house in Hoi An transformed into exhibition space

The event was held at Hoi An Communal House at 27 Le Loi Street, Hoi An Ward - one of the best-known heritage attractions in the ancient town. 

Built in the 18th century, the communal house has since hosted numerous events marking important occasions in Hoi An, now part of the central city of Da Nang.

In its small courtyard, photo displays and exhibits of traditional handicrafts made by local Hoi An residents offer visitors from Vietnam and abroad a distinctive glimpse into the town's cultural heritage.

Held on August 15 and 16, the program features an exhibition highlighting figures who have made significant contributions to Hoi An's heritage and are well known in the ancient town.

It also includes spaces telling stories of the simple, warm-hearted way of life of Hoi An residents.

The exhibition "Art from the Hands of Hoi An" showcases handicrafts by artisans and artists whose work is closely tied to the land and nature of the erstwhile Quang Nam Province, a culturally rich region in central Vietnam. 

They include bamboo artisan Vo Tan Tan, coconut-paper artisan Truong Tan Tho, and painter Van Tri.

According to the organizers, the 'heritage ambassadors' are first and foremost the people of Hoi An.

They are people who preserve traditional crafts, create works inspired by the town, and maintain ways of life that have become part of the community's collective memory, helping shape Hoi An's distinctive identity.

The story of Hoi An's heritage extends beyond its architecture and ancient townscape to the people who live within it.

At a heritage roundtable titled "Hoi An through Old Eyes," held at Hoi An Communal House that afternoon, participants discussed how cultural values, community spirit and ways of interacting with others can be incorporated into heritage conservation, development and tourism.

Participants agreed that heritage can remain truly vibrant only when it is cared for, practiced and passed on by the community.

External support can help bring Hoi An's heritage to a wider audience, as long as it respects and listens to the local community.

The activities at Hoi An Communal House also pay tribute to those who have helped shape the town's cultural identity, including people from elsewhere who fell in love with Hoi An and chose to make it their second home.