Backstage to the future is a social project using arts and creativity to create positive changes in safe migration and prevention of human trafficking in Vietnam. 

The project proposes a ‘backstage’ approach of capacity building to enable Vietnamese CSOs as dynamic players on the ‘front stage’ contributing to development processes. The project aims to strengthen CSOs’ role in mobilising and sensitising all levels of society to support safe migration in Viet Nam. Within the scope of this project, participating CSOs employ innovative approaches and creative platforms in raising awareness, promoting behaviour change, and mobilising members of civil society, private sector actors, and legal and public bodies to respond to the pressing issue of human trafficking and unsafe migration. The project’s focus is to benefit vulnerable populations at risk of trafficking or returned victims in urban, semi-rural and rural areas of Viet Nam by ensuring that they have information about the risks of trafficking and safe behaviours, receive support from diverse levels of society and can access public support services.

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to enhancing the role of CSOs in Viet Nam’s efforts to combat human trafficking.

The objectives are to provide CSOs with new ways of advocacy in safe migration and prevention of human trafficking in Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Quang Binh

The innovative approaches are using creative platforms such as forum theatre, viral video, online drama, TV talk shows, social media, apps, off-line cultural and creative events, etc to raise awareness and engage public community in in responding to the human trafficking and unsafe migration. These approaches will promote formal information about government support services available, to the wider society. This will ensure that victims and at-risk individuals have access to the support they need. 

Backstage to the future is a three-year project co-funded by the European Union and the UK Government, and implemented in partnership between the British Council, Viet Nam Institute for Culture and Arts Studies and the Viet Nam National University Youth Union.