Vietnam has a new showpiece events venue

Hanoi has a new showpiece venue with the launch of the Vietnam Exposition Center, which will host major events in the Vietnamese capital.

The new building in the Đông Anh District was opened by the exhibition "80 Years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness."

The event brought Vietnam's history, its people, and recent achievements to life, drawing tens of thousands of visitors in the opening week.

The inauguration coincided with a series of major projects marking the 80th National Day of Vietnam on September 2.

Not only is it the largest facility of its kind in south-east Asia, covering nearly 90 hectares, but it also stands as a symbol of Vietnam, a nation that endured decades of war and hardship yet has risen to enjoy remarkable economic growth.

The Center will host conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events - helping fuel Vietnam's MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism sector.

It provides easy access to Nội Bài International Airport and major transportation routes - making it convenient for both domestic and international guests.

The upcoming launch of the Tu Lien Bridge - a key infrastructure project spanning the Red River - will provide a fast connection between the city centre and the exhibition complex.

One highlight is the Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, with its flowing dome inspired by the "Golden Turtle" (Kim Quy) of Vietnamese folklore.

The venue is projected to welcome up to 60 million visitors each year.

Canberra's arts scene comes alive in April

Despite the presence of some boofheads elected to represent us in Parliament, the national capital of Canberra is also a city of art and culture.

 
Canberra is regarded as one of the nation's creative hubs - just don't tell Barnaby, Sussan and Angus.

 

The sprawling city boasts diverse arts scene, several national attractions and a thriving community of creatives.

This April brings four highly anticipated exhibitions to Canberra: the first solo exhibition for multidisciplinary contemporary Australian artist Thom Roberts at the National Portrait Gallery; a celebration of female artists at the National Gallery of Australia and a showcase of the works of glass maker Katie-Ann Houghton and industrial designer Tom Fereday at the Canberra Glassworks.

The Immersive World of Thom Roberts - National Portrait Gallery
https://www.portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/thom-roberts-2025 

From April 12 to July 20 with free admission 

Australian artist Thom Roberts (below), known for his bold portraits that morph people with trains and buildings, is bringing his first solo exhibition to the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition showcases more than 100 works including paintings, installations, animations and some of his newest works.

Know My Name: Global - National Gallery of Australia
https://nga.gov.au/exhibitions/know-my-name-global/
From April 2025 with free entry, this collection features works of inspiring female artists from around the world who have pushed the limits of artistic practice. Expect to see the works from creative trailblazers such as American feminist artist Judy Chicago, Order of Australia artist Vivienne Binns and American neo-conceptual artist Jenny Holzer.

Arum + Meander - Canberra Glassworks
https://canberraglassworks.com/2025-exhibition-2/

https://canberraglassworks.com/2025-exhibition-2-kah/
From April 3 to June 8 with free entry Sydney-based designer Tom Fereday's solo show Arum celebrates the transformation of raw material into glass and highlights his interest in the tension that lies between natural materials and contemporary design. Glassmaker Katie-Ann Houghton, meanwhile, explores her fascination with urban landscapes in her newest exhibition Meander.

For more information visit https://visitcanberra.com.au/

Combining wine and art in Margaret River

Art and wine will be paired from September 9-24 with seven Margaret River wineries hosting local artists who will be creating and exhibiting their work for the 10th Margaret River Region Open Studios.

A total of 166 artists will be throwing open their studio doors this year in what is Australia’s largest open studios event.

Gralyn Estate, Fraser Gallop Estate, Voyager Estate, Swings & Roundabouts, Domilona, Edwards Winery and Aravina Estate are all hosting Open Studios artists or events.

Dorothy Gallop will be painting and showcasing her work in Open Studios for the first time from the Fraser Gallop Estate Cellar Door. Her main inspiration is her home - the Fraser Gallop Estate property where she lives with husband and owner Nigel Gallop. Her latest collection of works takes her back to her birthplace, with paintings of the African landscape and animals.

Yallingup painter and printmaker Jessica McKiernan will be creating from Swings & Roundabouts for Open Studios. Jessica aims to capture nostalgic scenes shaped by sentimental stories and memories of growing up in the south west.

Margaret River painter and photographer Olivia Lancaster and Margaret River sculptor Mark Hampton will be showcasing their work at Voyager Estate. Olivia specialises in painting, drawing, and photography and gathers most of her inspiration from her love of Margaret River’s seascapes, forests, native plants, and birds. Mark was originally a tool maker in the Isle of Wight and has always been fascinated by metal, engineering, and fabrication.

On moving to the south west, Mark began creating armillary dials to the region’s exact latitude - reflecting his nautical heritage and the precision of tool making.




Photographer Russell Ord will showcase his work in MRROS for the first time from his studio gallery at Edwards Winery. He began pursuing photography in the early 2000s and quickly made a name for himself with his surfing images.

The co-owner of Gralyn Estate is photographer, mixed media and installation artist Scott Baxter, who will have his work displayed in a new way this year as Gralyn Estate transforms its old cellar into a visual and sensory experience.

All profits from the sale of his art will be donated to the Cancer Council of Western Australia.

Taiwan-born Margaret River ceramic artist Yu-Hua Lan will be showcasing her work during the event from Dormilona Winery. She casts organic seeds, shell forms and other natural materials, transforming them into sculpture, jewellery, and pottery.

Aravina Estate is hosting this year’s Art Dinner on September 9. Leon Pericles has donated a bottle of 2019 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay with his signature and personalised artistic embellishment.