Uzbekistan Expands Support for Cultural Sector Growth

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated cultural and arts workers on their professional holiday observed on 15 April, emphasizing their contribution to societal development and moral education.

The Head of State noted that professionals in the sector, including established artists and emerging performers, serve the public through their talent, knowledge, and craftsmanship.

He identified the further development of culture and the arts as a key priority, both as an instrument of moral education and as an important component of the country’s creative economy. According to him, special attention will be given to supporting creative industries, expanding the market for cultural services, and increasing exports of cultural products.

The President stated that Uzbekistan aims to raise the share of the creative economy in gross domestic product to 5 percent by 2030. He added that the establishment of a Creative Industry Park will support the achievement of these objectives.

Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that, thanks to the professionalism and creative potential of industry workers, Uzbekistan’s national culture will reach a new level. He also reaffirmed the state’s continued commitment to supporting the sector and properly recognizing the work of its representatives.

He recalled that in recent years the country has established two theaters, 19 cultural centers, 16 museums, 20 schools of music and arts, and five specialized higher education institutions. In addition, restoration and conservation work has been carried out at 125 cultural heritage sites.

Last year, a decree was adopted on the development of visual and applied arts, and construction began in Tashkent on a new building for the National Museum of Uzbekistan. This year, construction and renovation works are planned at the Central Exhibition Hall, the exhibition fund building of the Directorate of Art Exhibitions, and the Pavel Benkov Republican Art School.

The President also highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy, noting that Uzbekistan regularly hosts international forums, competitions, festivals, and cultural days.

Among major cultural events in recent years were the UNESCO General Conference session in Samarkand, the first International Contemporary Art Biennale in Bukhara, the Aral Cultural Summit in Nukus, the Forum of Turkic World Culture in Khorezm, and the first meeting of culture ministers of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan in Tashkent.

According to Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan’s participation in international cultural processes is expanding, while global interest in national arts continues to grow.

He also referred to recent international performances, including the premiere of the ballet “Lazgi. Dance of Soul and Love” by the National Ballet of Uzbekistan at the Grosses Festspielhaus in Salzburg, as well as an opera performance dedicated to the 690th anniversary of Amir Temur at Vienna’s Musikverein concert hall.