Uzbekistan’s people possess a rich spiritual heritage. In light of growing intellectual, aesthetic, and cultural demands, plans are underway to enhance the management and financing of the cultural sphere and adopt advanced international practices in this area.

In particular, mechanisms for public-private partnership are to be introduced in the operations of cultural centers, along with the implementation of startup projects that support creative ideas. Support will also be provided for the creation of domestic historical, scientific, and animated products that contribute to building the Uzbekistan brand and fostering patriotism among youth.

The Head of State issued instructions for the phased introduction of advanced international experience in this sector.

By Presidential Resolution, the National Institute of Pop Art named after Botir Zakirov was established in Uzbekistan. Further plans include honoring the artist’s memory by establishing a scholarship and launching the International Pop Art Competition named after Botir Zakirov. Each year, the institute’s top undergraduate graduates will be sent abroad for master’s studies, and talented students will receive support to participate in prestigious international competitions.

During his visit to Andijan region, the President also proposed commemorating the legacy of People’s Artist Sherali Jurayev. A High School of Music and Arts named after Sherali Jurayev will be established based on the specialized arts school in Andijan. An annual televised national song contest bearing his name will also be launched.

A scientific and creative laboratory will be established at the High School, along with the formation of a Golden Fund of songs by Sherali Jurayev. There are also plans to open a modern recording and video production studio, which will be available to talented young performers on preferential terms.

Currently, the State Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan and eight professional orchestras operating under the auspices of the Philharmonic Society are active in the country. However, their activities are limited mainly to Tashkent and national-level events.

In response to this, a decision has been made to establish such orchestras in the regions gradually. In particular, an orchestra of folk instruments and a symphony orchestra will be created in Fergana region. These ensembles will be fully equipped with the necessary musical instruments, audio and lighting equipment, stage costumes, and other essential supplies.

The Head of State emphasized the importance of making the finest works of national and international art accessible to a broad audience and organizing touring performances across the country’s districts and cities.

Uzbekistan, with its rich and diverse cultural heritage, possesses vast potential for the development of the creative economy. Currently, there are 14,000 enterprises operating in this sector, employing nearly 100,000 people. Over the next five years, the volume of the creative economy is expected to double, with its share in the gross domestic product projected to reach 5 percent.

Last year, a law regulating this sector was adopted. Tashkent hosted the Fourth World Conference on Creative Economy. Broad cooperation has been established with international organizations, including UNESCO, UNCTAD, and the World Intellectual Property Organization, as well as with countries such as France, Italy, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

One of the largest sectors within the creative industry is the handicrafts sector. The presentation included proposals for the further development of this field.

In particular, a joint initiative with the British Royal Foundation envisions the establishment of an academic platform in Tashkent. This platform will provide master’s-level training, facilitate research, and support the development of educational materials. Over time, it is planned to involve more than 3,000 talented artisans in the platform. In the long term, it will be transformed into a full-fledged school of applied arts.

In 2023, Bukhara was included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network under the category of “Crafts and Folk Arts”. In this ancient city, 2,000 artisans are engaged in creative work across 36 disciplines.

Between September and November, Bukhara will host its first-ever Biennale of Contemporary Art, featuring 70 renowned artists from 40 countries.

Another promising region in tourism is Karakalpakstan. Currently, around 2,000 young people are professionally engaged in traditional crafts, with many more aspiring to learn artisanal skills.

In this regard, plans are underway to transform the Istiqlol Park in the city of Nukus into a creative cluster. As part of this initiative, the Aral School will be established – an educational space for artisans and designers that combines traditional knowledge with innovative approaches.

Instructions have been given to the responsible parties to ensure the high-quality implementation of these proposals and the successful organization of all planned activities.

“The editors of the newspapers “Yangi Oʻzbekiston” and “Pravda Vostoka”