Saigon Open City is a long-term art and cultural project consisting of exhibitions and special events, it addresses the significance of modern and contemporary art, looking at visual strategies and historical contexts in Vietnam from the liberation period up until the present. Saigon Open City contextualizes and juxtaposes these strategies and contexts with regional and global perspectives. It also tries to foster and cultivate a contemporary art infrastructure and audience in Vietnam and the neighboring region.
Saigon Open City wants to bridge the gap between three generations of artists and audiences, by promoting an awareness of contemporary art to the general public, through a series of proposed events, lectures, workshops and educational programs. It creates an opportunity and venue for exchanges and exposure both for both the local artistic community as well as the international and regional art community. The project aims to bring to the public and the artistic community a greater perspective and understanding of contemporary art and its importance and function in society.
Saigon Open City is organised by Saigon Open City (SOC) Co., a non-profit organisation. SOC Co. has done significant works in preparing the art infrastructure in Ho Chi Minh, working with the city government and other institutions, and introducing contemporary art to the community through lectures, exhibitions, studios programs and conferences.Objectives:
- to provide a forum for Vietnamese artists to interact, exchange ideas and work with regional and international artists from all disciplines, generations and background ;
- to promote an understanding of contemporary art and culture as a life long educational process; -to set up the infrastructure for local art administration to build up in a sustainable approach ;
- to empower the spirit of artistic community within the Vietnam art scene and to facilitate the collaboration between local art institutions and the community;
- to expand and deepen public awareness and appreciation for the diversity of contemporary artistic styles and practices.