Cultural bonding through art
In the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan is undergoing a cultural renaissance, thanks in large part to the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF). Under the leadership of its president, Gayane Umerova, the ACDF is playing a pivotal role in promoting Uzbekistan's cultural image globally.
One of the Foundation's most significant initiatives is the Bukhara Biennale. Commissioned by Umerova and curated by Diana Campbell, this biennial event serves as a major platform for cultural diplomacy, highlighting Uzbekistan’s historic and contemporary cultural landscape. By fostering creative exchange and positioning Uzbekistan as a vibrant site of global cultural dialogue, the Bukhara Biennale is a crucial step in strengthening Bukhara's creative infrastructure, supporting local and international artists, and promoting a sustainable creative economy in the city.
Umerova and the ACDF have made preserving Uzbekistan's architectural heritage a priority. The modernist architecture of Tashkent, for example, is being meticulously restored to enhance the country's cultural profile internationally. By combining heritage preservation with contemporary artistic programming, the ACDF under Umerova's leadership works to build a dynamic and globally recognised cultural identity for Uzbekistan.
The Bukhara Biennale, a more recent initiative of the ACDF, is designed to amplify the global artistic and historical significance of Bukhara. The Biennale aims to create new dialogues, inspire new perspectives, and contribute to a dynamic future for the arts in Uzbekistan and beyond. Contemporary artists in the Bukhara region are drawing from the city's history while also pushing new ideas, such as Bukharian artist Oyjon Khayrullaeva who explores interdisciplinary narratives.
The Bukhara Biennale is based on the belief that culture is a driving force for sustainable development, benefiting not only artists and cultural operators but the entire local community. The Biennale will reactivate the city's historic artisan trade and preserve its remarkable architecture, including four caravanserais, the Madrasa Gavkushon, the former Khoja Kalon mosque, and the Madrasa Rashid.
The ACDF's efforts extend beyond the Bukhara Biennale. Umerova is also the Commissioner of the Uzbekistan Biennale, an international art event that offers a platform for significant artistic and cultural exchange, celebrating the country's artistic heritage. The cultural district planned for the Bukhara Biennale will include artist studios, a music school, a digital archive, a fine arts museum, an exhibition space, and more.
The Uzbekistan Biennale is a natural extension of the ACDF's efforts to support Uzbek artists, designers, and artisans on the global stage. Uzbekistan, a country rich in culture and history, has undergone significant economic development, transitioning from an agricultural economy to one based on industry and services. The ACDF's initiatives are a testament to Uzbekistan's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while embracing contemporary artistic expression.
As the ACDF continues to shape the Uzbek art scene, the Bukhara Biennale stands as a symbol of Uzbekistan's cultural renaissance. The Biennale is a long-term transformation project for the city of Bukhara, initiated by the ACDF, that aims to establish an evolving cultural district that celebrates Bukhara's artistic heritage and contributes to its future for years to come.
- The Bukhara Biennale, under the leadership of ACDF's president Gayane Umerova, not only encourages artistic expression within the home-and-garden of Bukhara but also promotes a lifestyle that blends tradition with modernity, contributing to a sustainable development of the city and its community.
- As Uzbekistan's cultural identity expands globally, the travel industry may discover new destinations for cultural-travel enthusiasts, where the energy of contemporary art and the history of architectural heritage come together, making Uzbekistan a compelling and enriching travel destination.
