OPENING OF "NÉT CHỮ AN NHIÊN" – CALLIGRAPHY AS A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE IN A HERITAGE SETTING

On the morning of September 15, 2026, the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám officially opened the "Nét chữ An Nhiên" program at Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám as part of the 2nd Thăng Long – Hà Nội Festival 2026. The program introduces the public to calligraphy in classical Chinese and Nôm characters, and Vietnamese calligraphy in the Latin-based Quốc ngữ script through demonstrations, exchanges, hands-on calligraphy activities, and traditional music, creating a culturally rich and distinctive experience in this historic heritage setting.

Attending the opening ceremony were Mr Vũ Đức Tuyên, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Ward; representatives of the leadership of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities; representatives of Nhân Mỹ Học Đường; as well as calligraphy clubs and practitioners, representatives of the press and television, and a large number of members of the public with an appreciation for the art of calligraphy.

Inspired by the beauty of the written word and the cultural setting of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, "Nét chữ An Nhiên" presents both Hán-Nôm and Quốc ngữ calligraphy to the public. Calligraphy demonstrations, exchanges, and hands-on activities are complemented by traditional music performances, creating an engaging and accessible cultural experience for residents and domestic and international visitors alike.

The name "Nét chữ An Nhiên" evokes a state of calmness, serenity, and inward reflection—qualities cultivated through concentration, patience, and disciplined practice. Through the act of writing, calligraphy offers not only aesthetic beauty but also a moment of stillness, allowing people to rediscover balance and inner calm amid the rhythms of modern life.

At the heart of the program are calligraphy demonstrations, exchanges, and hands-on activities. Visitors can directly observe the process of creating a calligraphic work, from selecting characters or words and arranging the composition to applying the brushstrokes.

Through this process, visitors have an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the beauty of calligraphy while appreciating the disciplined practice, concentration, and spiritual depth embodied in each work.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Lê Xuân Kiêu, Director of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities, emphasised:

"'Nét chữ An Nhiên' not only celebrates the art of calligraphy, but also offers a way for us to engage in a dialogue with heritage through the written word. As we approach the 950th anniversary of Quốc Tử Giám, every brushstroke made today continues a cultural legacy that honours knowledge, learning, and the enduring values of the nation."

Traditional music performances were interwoven throughout the program, creating a harmonious interplay of the written word, visual form, and sound within the heritage setting. From appreciating calligraphic works and watching calligraphers at work to enjoying traditional music, visitors are invited to encounter calligraphy through a multidimensional experience that is accessible, engaging, and emotionally resonant.

Through exhibitions, demonstrations, exchanges, hands-on activities, and artistic performances, "Nét chữ An Nhiên" helps connect calligraphy with heritage and contemporary cultural life, while introducing the public to the elegance and rich cultural traditions of Hà Nội.

As part of the Thăng Long – Hà Nội Festival 2026, the program also offers an opportunity to celebrate the art of calligraphy and strengthen connections among clubs and communities that practice both Quốc ngữ and Hán-Nôm calligraphy. In doing so, it contributes to the preservation and promotion of heritage values in contemporary life, enabling traditional cultural values to continue to be passed down through generations and remain a living, natural presence in the capital's contemporary cultural landscape.

TL: LH