Ngoc-Tran Vu (she/her) is a 1.5-generation Vietnamese-American multimedia visual artist and cultural organizer, celebrated for her deeply socially engaged practice that melds various artistic mediums with community activism. Residing in the vibrant Dorchester community of Boston where she was raised, Tran is devoted to interlacing stories of migration, displacement, and resilience into her artistic and cultural endeavors.

Her artistic repertoire spans photography, painting, sculpture, and installation—each medium selected to best resonate and engage audiences with intentionality. Tran’s creations are immersive experiences, often sparking profound discourse on diasporas, memories, and rituals within the broader contexts of social justice and healing. As a strategist, educator, and lightworker, she integrates these roles to amplify the impact of her work, shedding light on the complex narratives of marginalized communities and fostering a sense of shared humanity.

In her capacity as a cultural organizer, Tran spearheads projects that spotlight critical social issues while promoting community involvement and empowerment. She believes in the transformative power of art to bridge cultural divides and inspire societal change. Through her initiatives, she has successfully facilitated dialogues and collaborations that transcend geographic and cultural barriers, connecting diverse groups in meaningful ways.

Tran’s commitment to education extends to her mentorship of local artists in Boston, providing one-on-one coaching and fostering a new generation of creatives committed to societal engagement through art. Her multimedia exhibitions and collaborative installations, both locally and internationally showcased, have drawn attention to the nuanced experiences of immigrant communities and the power of collective memory and resilience.

Among her prominent projects is the “1975: A Vietnamese Diaspora Memorial,” where Tran serves as the lead artist and project director. This intergenerational, community-driven public art project is slated for permanent installation in Boston’s Little Saigon Cultural District. The memorial will honor Vietnamese families and communities impacted by the war and its ongoing legacy, while addressing the critical need for diversity, equity, and inclusion in public place-making. By prioritizing community voices in the creation of public art and reclaiming narratives from a Vietnamese diaspora perspective, the project aims to foster ongoing engagement, address loss and grief, and bridge generational connections. This arts-led collaborative effort not only celebrates the Vietnamese diaspora but also provides a shared space for healing and acknowledging the historical impacts of war.

Ngoc-Tran Vu’s work compels viewers to reflect on their positions within society and the global community. As she continues to challenge the conventions of traditional art and activism, her influence and contributions remain vital to the cultural landscape and collective efforts towards a more inclusive and just world.

Ngoc-Tran Vu’s three-year BCA Studio Residency is supported by Wagner Foundation.