Uzbekistan discussed proposals aimed at the further development of circus arts and the genre of live entertainment. These discussions are part of the measures outlined in a presidential decree concerning the promotion of the country's cultural, artistic, and literary sectors.
Participants noted that the discussions were based on initiatives put forward by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a meeting with representatives of the culture, art, and literature spheres on June 1, 2026. Following this meeting, Presidential Decree No. PF-103 'On large-scale measures for the further development of the cultural, artistic, and literary sectors' was signed on June 2.
This decree provides for the creation of several creative associations to support culture and art, stimulate creative potential, and promote national forms of art. Among these is the Creative Association of Circus Arts and Live Performances. As part of the implementation of this decree, the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, Davron Vakhabov, met with representatives of the newly created association.
The meeting was also attended by Karim Zaripov, Director of the Karim Zaripov Republican Higher School of Variety and Circus Arts, and Miraziz Yukhubov, Deputy Director of the State Circus of Uzbekistan. Participants discussed ways to further develop circus arts and live performances, expand private sector participation, solve industry problems, and implement suggestions voiced by representatives of the professional community.
Following the meeting, participants agreed to prepare concrete steps that will serve as the basis for the practical development of circus arts in Uzbekistan.
The Uzbekistan State Museum of Fine Arts (NBU) annually holds a youth exhibition titled 'CTRL+ART,' which is being celebrated for the fourth consecutive year. The event gathers authors at various stages of creative development—from beginners to those who have already formed a unique artistic style. More than 60 artists participated in the current exhibition, presenting over 250 works covering painting, graphics, sculpture, installations, and collages.
The exhibition curator, art historian Nuriddin Rasulov, emphasized that the project's main mission remains the same: to introduce the public to the new generation of Uzbek artists and provide the authors themselves with a platform for self-presentation. The name 'CTRL+ART' refers to the Ctrl key on a computer, and the organizers conceived this exhibition as a starting point for young talents, facilitating their advancement to a higher professional level and participation in international projects.
Unlike previous years when the exhibition primarily featured students from art universities, this year a significant portion was occupied by independent authors who already possess their own style. A separate hall was allocated for students from specialized institutes, while the remaining space was given to independent artists. Nuriddin Rasulov noted that one cannot judge an author solely by their place of study, as talent and personal touch are visible in the works regardless of education.
The selection process involved several stages, starting with the submission of work photographs, after which the curator formed the exhibition, striving to give each hall a special atmosphere and internal logic. Rasulov mentioned that different halls feature portraits, landscapes, or works evoking a festive mood, as well as spaces dedicated to experimental research. The organizers opted against a single theme, allowing the artists to present their own projects. As a result, the exhibition features works addressing themes of love, family, national identity, ecology, and the search for a place in the modern world.
Changes occurred in the exhibition structure: if painting previously dominated, visitors can now see about 30 sculptures by Azamat Khatamov, Giyoshjon Boltabayev, Gulrukh Gaffurbekova, Artur Rajabov, Ulmas Yakubov, and others. Some artists were allocated personal exhibition halls. Nuriddin Rasulov clarified that the selection considered not so much the volume of work as its artistic level and the integrity of the author's series. He added that there is a growing confidence among participants, which is reflected in their new works.
A separate hall showcases the series 'Shadow of Memory' by Isomiddin Eshonkulov, which explores anxiety before the unknown through the image of a shadow visible in paintings and installations. The project 'Dreams Under the Veil' by Anna Grigoryants and Alexandra Volodina is dedicated to the views of Uzbek women on marriage and family, based on anonymous stories and includes the installation 'Inner Garden.' Rushana Alimova presented the series 'Fusion' and the installation 'How Rivers Become Clouds,' reflecting on human inner transformations. Separate spaces were given to Sanjar Jabbarov, Yunus Farmonov, Dilbek Tukhtakulov, and Nuriddin Rasulov himself, while Bekzod Karimov, Abdulaziz Sharipov, and Anvar Chorikulov presented a joint exhibition. Video clips about the creation of works and the biographies of the authors are displayed in a special hall.
The exhibition runs until July 31st. Visitors can come from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (entry closes at 5:30 PM); admission is paid.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan held a comprehensive meeting to assess the execution of strategic initiatives put forward by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the context of the activities of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). The main focus was on the fields of education, science, and technological innovation.
The working session was held in a hybrid format and gathered about thirty high-ranking officials and representatives from various structures. Participants included employees of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, the Academy of Sciences, the 'Uzbekcosmos' space agency, and the State Museum of Memory of Victims of Repressions. Executive administrators and rectors of domestic universities belonging to the Union of Turkic Universities (TURKUNIB) also actively participated.
Delegates assessed the achievements recorded during the current presidency of Uzbekistan in TURKUNIB, which unites over one hundred leading universities of the Turkic world. Issues regarding the functioning of the 'Orhun' academic exchange program were reviewed, and steps were outlined to expand student and faculty mobility.
Furthermore, the practical implementation of special educational grants intended for youth from OTS member countries, distributed at the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Studies (Green University) in Tashkent, was discussed. The Ministry also studied the project structure of a joint scientific research program that will be based at the newly established International University of Turkic States in Uzbekistan.
The working group paid particular attention to coordinating the logistics of a series of important OTS events scheduled for the end of the current year. Key agenda items included organizing the upcoming 'Days of Turkic Science and Innovation,' which are expected to feature joint scientific conferences, technology exhibitions, and forums for young entrepreneurs. Additionally, officials approved preliminary schedules for a landmark international scientific conference titled 'The Creative Heritage of Nizami Ganjavi and Alisher Navoi in the Spiritual Life of the Turkic World,' dedicated to the cultural influence of these two historical writers.
