BridgeFest Music Festival Celebrates Social Equity and Diversity with Global Music in Ho Chi Minh City
Press Release
Ho Chi Minh City, December 9, 2023: The upcoming BridgeFest Music Festival, to be held on Nguyen Hue Street, will be a vibrant showcase of esteemed Vietnamese and international artists, joined by 38 social organizations. Under the theme “Togetherness Toward a Human Economy,” the event will highlight the powerful combination of music and social advocacy.
The festival is jointly organized and sponsored by the U.S. Mission to Vietnam, the Swiss Embassy, Oxfam in Vietnam, the Embassy and Consulate General of Canada, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam in collaration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourisms.
BridgeFest is an annual music and community festival that attracts artists, youth, and social organizations, who come together to celebrate concrete action to promote social equality.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the vibrant celebration of diversity and social inclusion at BridgeFest 2023. This collaborative effort, co-sponsored by the U.S. Mission, embodies our shared commitment to a future that champions equality. Through the harmony of music and advocacy, BridgeFest amplifies the voices that empower the next generation,” highlighted U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper.
BridgeFest 2023 showcases stunning performances by popular young artists, featuring Vo Ha Tram, Da LAB, Microwave, Lynk Lee, beatboxerTuansss, as well as U.S. Arts Envoys Adrienne Mack-Davis and DJ 32french.
This year’s BridgeFest’s theme, “Bridging the Gap Toward Human Economy,” aims to inspire participants to realize the importance of our shared humanity and the collective environment. BridgeFest encourages the public, especially youth and actors from all sectors in the society to be change agents to promote equality, co-creating a future that places the well-being of people and our planet at the heart of the development. This concept has resonated with the Vietnamese public and has been the essence of BridgeFest since its inception.
BridgeFest 2023 convened 38 social organizations, enterprises, and youth clubs from across the country. These partnerships represent concerted efforts to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable development of Vietnam in areas of environment protection, education, healthcare, culture, sexual and gender identity, persons with disabilities, women and children…In 2022, after five years in Ha Noi, BridgeFest was organized in Da Nang, attracting more than 10,000 people.
Ms. Vu Thi Quynh Hoa, National Director of Oxfam in Vietnam, commented: “BridgeFest calls the most beautiful music in everyone of us, it’s the music that cares for human happiness and the wellbeing of all lives on our planet. I’m proud that BridgeFest has also been contributing to Vietnam’s long term vision of a people-centered development that promotes social inclusion, environmental sustainability and a meaningful life for all.”.
A Platform for Collaborative Efforts
Bridgefest is more than a music festival; it brings together 38 social organizations, enterprises, and youth clubs from across the country dedicated to key social issues like the environment, education, healthcare, cultural, sexual and gender identity, persons with disabilities, and women and children toward a better future.
Swiss Ambassador Thomas Gass shared: “As we embark on this exciting journey, let us remember that it is not governments or large international organizations that will fix this planet and heal our society – everyone has a responsibility to participate with their strengths and capacities. Our strength lies in our diversity and in our unity. Let us hold on to the Global Goals - our shared vision for a just and inclusive society.
Canadian Consul General Annie Dubé said: “We’re very proud to support the participation of social organizations in this event. Many of them are active in areas of Canada’s priorities such as gender equality, LGBT+ rights as well as environment and climate change. Social organizations play a vital role in fostering progressive, inclusive, resilient and healthy societies.”
Since its first iteration, BridgeFest has been a key cultural and social event in Vietnam. The forthcoming festival in Ho Chi Minh City is expected to continue this trajectory, demonstrating the role of music and collective action in driving substantial social change and highlighting diverse voices in the pursuit of a more inclusive and sustainable world.
BridgeFest is made possible through collaboration with the Vietnamese government and local authorities in Ho Chi Minh City.
Mr. Trần Nhất Hoàng, Deputy Director General, International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: “The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism always wants to see more quality and free art programs for everyone, accompanied by humanistic messages, encouraging social responsibility, sharing love, so that no one is left behind”.
PHOTOS of all activities at BridgeFest 2023 will be real-time updated from 14:00 – 23:00 on Saturday 9/12/2023. Accessthis folder.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Lại Vân Anh
Điện thoại: 0942433948
Email: anhlv@hexa.vn
Or
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Hồng Phượng
Communications and Media Senior Advisor
Oxfam Vietnam
Điện thoại: 84-243-945 44 88 (ext. 605)
Email: phuong.nguyenthihong@oxfam.org
Or
Press Office
U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City
Email: HCMCPress@state.gov
Điện thoại: Mr. Đinh Đại Nghĩa 090-915-3132
Or
Ms. Trần Thị Khánh Vân
Cultural and Press Officer
Embassy of Switzerland in Vietnam
Tel: 024 39346589 (ext. 803972)
Email: thi-khanh-van.tran@eda.admin.ch
Or
Ms. Vũ Tuyết Trang
Public Affairs Officer
Embassy of Canada to Vietnam
Tel: 090 343 0526
Email: Trang.Vu@international.gc.ca
What is BridgeFest?
Formerly known as Southeast Asian Pride 2016 – a music event honoring diversity and equality in society, BridgeFest was held for five consecutive years and has become a signature community event that attracts a large audience and spreads inspirational messages about equality and social integration.
Since 2017, BridgeFest has been co-organized by Oxfam and the U.S.Embassy in Vietnam. BridgeFest is part of Oxfam’s worldwide campaign “Even It Up – Bridging the Gap,” which aims to eliminate inequality.
BridgeFest 2020, held on Hoan Kiem pedestrian street in Hanoi, attracted an audience of over 15,000. BridgeFest 2020 was devoted to spurring real changes in communities under the slogan "Be the change", emphasizing the need for young people to get involved in national and global issues while encouraging them to participate in social discussions and community-focused initiatives. 42 social organizations and artists jointly created a vibrant picture of BridgeFest. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism joined as a co-organizer for the first time at BridgeFest 2020.
In 2022, BridgeFest ‘landed’ in Central Vietnam. Organized for the first time in Bien Dong Park, Da Nang City, BridgeFest 2022 shared the values of equality and diversity towards a Human Economy to an audience of over 11,000 coming from all over Vietnam. 32 social organizations joined the event. The Embassy of Switzerland joined as a co-organizer of the event for the first time.
BridgeFest 2023 moves southward. Continuing the theme "Bridging the gap towards a Human Economy," the music and community festival has gathered 38 social organizations as well as top Vietnamese and international artists. Two additional diplomatic Missions, Canada and the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam, joined as organizers for the first time, bringing the diversity and reaffirming the collaborative efforts for equality and inclusion.
Artists and Special Guests at BridgeFest 2023
BridgeFest 2023 proudly presents sensational artists from a vast variety of genres including pop, soft rock, indie, rock, and more. Many of the songs to be performed have taken the charts by storm, and artists want to use their voice to convey the thoughts and sentiments of young people and encourage them to be their authentic selves.
BridgeFest 2023 features special guests from New York – Adrienne Mack- Davis and DJ 32french.
BridgeFest’s theme song “Ai cung nhu ai” will be played at BridgeFest 2023 by Da LAB. In recent years, Da LAB has affirmed its name on the Vietnamese music market through a series of catchy tunes that are well received by young people.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS OF BRIDGEFEST 2022
Oxfam is an international confederation of 21 organizations networked together across more than 87 countries. We are part of a global movement that aims to make a greater impact in reducing poverty and fighting for equality.
In Vietnam, Oxfam strives to create positive changes in policies, practices, and beliefs, thus fundamentally improving the lives of the vulnerable and financially disadvantaged, while ensuring that all people have the same opportunities to enjoy their rights. We contribute to discussions related to inequality on global and national levels. Oxfam’s activities in Vietnam focus on gender equality, risk reduction, responses to climate change and disasters, sustainable management of food and natural resources, and good governance.
Website: https://vietnam.oxfam.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oxfaminvietnam/
The U.S. Mission to Vietnam is the official diplomatic representation of the United States Government in Vietnam, including the U.S. Embassy Hanoi and the U.S. Consulate Ho Chi Minh City. Its mission is to foster diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam, and to serve and protect U.S. citizens in Vietnam. Since the normalization of diplomatic ties in 1995, the United States and Vietnam have built a strong partnership and successful cooperation in many areas of mutual importance, including economic and security cooperation, humanitarian and war legacy issues, regional and global challenges, respect for human rights and religious freedom, and people-to-people ties. The U.S. Mission offers assistance to Vietnam through USAID and provides extensive grants for cultural, social, environmental and educational causes.
Website: https://vn.usembassy.gov/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usembassyhanoi
The Embassy of Switzerland in Hanoi is the official representative agency of Switzerland in Vietnam. The Embassy is in charge of all matters relating to diplomatic relations between the two countries, representing Switzerland’s views in the political, economic, financial and legal fields, as well as science, education and culture. In addition to promoting and connecting diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Swiss Embassy also makes efforts to
carry out many voluntary activities, environmental protection projects, bringing sustainable benefits to the community and society.
Website: www.eda.admin.ch/hanoi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SwitzerlandVietnam
Canada
Canada is represented by an embassy in Hanoi and a consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City which offer consular, trade, visa and other services to clients in Vietnam. Canada enjoys a long-standing and multifaceted bilateral partnership with Vietnam, and we greatly value the strong ties between our countries, which include political and diplomatic, trade and investment, development cooperation, defense and security, cultural and academic exchange, science, technology and innovation, and vibrant people-to-people links. Canada’s comparative advantage is recognized in a diversity of sectors to help advance gender equality, fight climate change, and strengthen institutions in Vietnam. We will continue to support efforts that are inclusive of women and ethnic minorities, as well as explore ways to support Vietnam as it addresses climate change and transitions to renewable and sustainable energy sources.
Website: www.canada.ca/CanadaAndVietnam
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadaVietnam
https://www.facebook.com/CanadaTaiHochiminh
The Kingdom of the Netherlands
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is represented by an Embassy in Hanoi and a Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. The Netherlands and Vietnam celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2023. The people-to-people ties are much older than that, however. The partnership between the Netherlands and Vietnam is based on strong cooperation in a number of sectors. Agriculture and water have always been important, and recently the relationship is expanding into high-tech cooperation. Additionally, the Netherlands promotes inclusive and sustainable development in Vietnam and globally - with respect for nature, human rights and the environment. Citizen participation and the inclusion of social organizations is crucial for sustainable and inclusive development.
Website: https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/web/vietnam/about-us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HollandinVietnam/
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is the Government Ministry responsible for state administration on culture, family, sports, and tourism nationwide, in addition to managing public services in those fields.
Website: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/
REACH (Research for Education And Career Help Institute) is a local non- government and non-profit organization which has taken many efforts to “bridge the gap” by providing vocational training, career advice, and job placement services for Vietnam’s most disadvantaged youth. Since its establishment in 2008, REACH has given more than 18,000 young people vocational training and stable jobs. More than 80% of REACH students find employment with competitive salaries. REACH currently has 11 different training disciplines, lasting from 3 to 6 months across six centers: Hanoi, Hai Duong, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City.
Website: www.reach.org.vn
ECUE is a social enterprise that supports businesses and organizations promoting the values of diversity and inclusion, gender equality, anti-sexual harassment and other human rights values. ECUE helps businesses succeed by (i) building a corporate culture based on humane values; (ii) managing human resources based on respect and efficiency; (iii) managing legal and brand risks by preventing legal and ethical violations; and (iv) strengthening corporate social branding by building trust in the community.
Website: https://ecue.vn
Hexagon is a marketing, events, communications, and design company with more than 15 years of experience in Vietnam. Hexagon has helped hundreds of brands and enterprises reach consumers through thousands of marketing activities in many events across the country.
Website: https://hexa.vn