Notes of Care: Initiative
OPEN CALL
Notes of Care supported cross-generational and continental connection by bridging language gaps across the Vietnamese/diaspora.
It emerged from years of conversations within the diaspora and lived experiences in Vietnam, reflecting on the liminal space between language, distance, and (be)longing.
A Moment of Reckoning
Fifty years after the Vietnam War, many children and grandchildren of the displaced still feel its reverberations—especially through language, shared or stalled across continents and generations. Younger generations often long to connect; older generations wish to be understood. Notes of Care created space for that dialogue.
Writing Across Distance
Participants—wherever they were—were invited to write a note to someone they wished to (re)connect with. For many who grew up in the West, language loss—often shaped by the pressures of assimilation—had quietly widened the distance between themselves, their families, and communities.
Curator Linh Lê translated each letter between English and Vietnamese with care, nuance, and regional specificity. The notes were then printed and mailed.
A Vision for the Future
Though rooted in Vietnamese experience, the project envisioned a world where mother tongues are spoken with pride—and where everyone has the right to return to their motherland.
Submission Details
Open worldwide from May 21 to June 11, 2025, Notes of Care was a free offering that accepted up to 50 submissions on a first-come, first-served basis.
A Local Offering
To support accessibility—and the aunties—we added a drop-off option at Ba Le Deli & Bakery (701 Kingsway), a cherished Little Saigon spot I grew up visiting. People could handwrite notes and enjoy a bánh mì or cà phê sữa đá.
Closing the Loop
Submissions came from Vietnam, Switzerland, and beyond—reminding us of the diaspora’s reach and diversity. All notes have now been mailed. We hope they sparked connection or a simple smile. ◡̈
Thank you
Notes of Care was part of Vòng Vòng, developed by Karen Thảo La, in collaboration with Linh Lê and supported by Bỳnh Ho, and the Canada Council for the Arts.
A small update: Vòng Vòng is going on hiatus. We’ll be resting and reflecting on the past 50 years—and dreaming of the next 50.
With care,
❤️ Vòng Vòng