President Shavkat Mirziyoyev Reviews Draft Resolution to Boost Visual and Applied Arts in Uzbekistan
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: A draft presidential resolution aimed at the comprehensive development of visual and applied arts was presented to the President of Uzbekistan, underscoring the sector’s significance in national culture and its critical role in shaping the values and education of the country’s youth.
During the extended session of the Republican Council on Spirituality and Enlightenment, the Head of State addressed the longstanding lack of institutional attention given to artists, highlighting the need for urgent and meaningful support. In response, the draft resolution introduces a series of measures to expand opportunities for young talents and enhance the professional and educational infrastructure for the arts.
A centerpiece of the initiative is the establishment of a Young Artists Center on the premises of the Art Foundation. This center will include a modern gallery and 40 fully equipped creative studios, providing a dynamic space for artistic expression and collaboration. Additionally, a training and production workshop is set to be launched at the Museum of Eastern Miniature Art.
The renowned Benkov School of Painting will also undergo significant renovation, with plans for a new academic building capable of accommodating 400 students, along with a dormitory for 200 residents. These efforts are aimed at modernizing arts education and making it more accessible.
Recognizing the value of traditional mentorship, the resolution proposes increased incentives for experienced artists who train young talents under the “master – apprentice” model. Furthermore, a competitive annual selection will identify the most gifted emerging artists, who will then be supported in pursuing international exchange programs to enhance their skills and broaden their perspectives.
At the National Institute of Painting and Design named after Kamoliddin Behzod, reforms will be introduced to align with global academic standards. This includes the phased implementation of advanced international curricula and the elevation of faculty artworks to the status of scientific monographs in terms of recognition and academic merit. Graduates of the institute will also be granted the right to teach visual arts in general education institutions.
To further stimulate artistic production, a state support mechanism will be established for the creation of works within key thematic series such as “Landscapes of New Uzbekistan”, “Great Thinkers”, and “Heroes of Our Time”.
The President stressed that these efforts should be implemented not only in major cities but also throughout the regions, ensuring that young people across Uzbekistan are actively engaged in visual and applied arts. He emphasized the necessity of improving working conditions for artists and reinforcing the cultural and spiritual development of society through artistic excellence.
The draft resolution marks a significant step towards institutionalizing long-term support for the arts and fostering a new generation of creative professionals dedicated to the cultural renaissance of Uzbekistan.
