A relatively new position in the UNCCN calls for diverse actors to connect and act collectively to tackle the sporadic nature of creative works: creative actors have various interests; some are competing, but resolvable. Friction is expected, particularly in reconciling the creative actors’ philosophical views and the urge for economic growth.
Moreover, there is more room to offer inclusive platforms for creative talents from disadvantaged groups, such as people with disabilities, people with HIV/AIDS, and lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals.
These groups have been conditioned to engage in casual creative sectors since the formal sectors have only recently started to accommodate their needs, talents and identities. That being said, learning from their experiences can offer new ways of creative practices.
With regards to local identities, an overfocus on mass production for economic growth can potentially lead to the discontinuity and disappearance of local identities. Therefore, future efforts should focus on the preservation and transformation of the identities over time, and how best to amplify those identities to the public.
Such an understanding shall inform policies and ways of strategically communicating them to diverse actors. The policies that recognise local practices, needs, wisdom and values are imperative for reconciling different interests.
The need to grow economically, particularly in an emerging market such as Vietnam, is inevitable. Creative cities in the making can still achieve that without compromising the things that define them uniquely.