Every era is defined by its own creative tendencies. Art has always built bridges between the past, present, and future — embodying all three dimensions within itself. As the world today seeks new means of uniting humanity, Uzbekistan channels this pursuit through culture. Uzbek art represents a living dialogue between the traces of history and the aspirations of the future.
Cultural Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s New Voice
In recent years, Uzbekistan has been making confident strides onto the global stage in the fields of art and culture — a development widely recognized by the international community. In 2021, Uzbekistan participated for the first time in the Venice Biennale with its national pavilion. The project, titled “Mahalla: Urban Rural Living,” skillfully explored the distinctive character of Uzbek neighborhoods while ensuring national representation at a major international cultural event. This marked a turning point in the country’s efforts to make its voice heard through contemporary art.
This year’s Bukhara Biennial of Contemporary Art became the largest art event ever organized within Uzbekistan. Entitled "Recipes for Broken Hearts," the Biennial delved into themes of human emotion, healing, renewal, and the dialogue between past and future, bringing together artists from across different regions and backgrounds. The Bukhara Biennial has since emerged as one of Central Asia’s most significant and diverse artistic initiatives.
Creative Economy: The Economic Power of Imagination
Globally, creative industries account for 3–4 percent of GDP, and Uzbekistan is actively advancing in this direction. Within the framework of the “Creative Economy Concept” approved in 2022, special grants and tax incentives have been introduced to support creative startups in the fields of art, design, music, fashion, architecture, and IT.
Events such as Tashkent Art Week and the Art Future Festival have evolved into international platforms for emerging talent. In 2023, more than 400 participants took part in these events, 70
percent of whom were young artists and designers. Meanwhile, Art Market Uzbekistan has created a new economic space for artists — by the end of 2023, over 100 artworks had been sold to foreign collectors through the platform, highlighting the growing global demand for Uzbek creativity.
EXPO 2025: Designing Humanity’s Future Through Art
At EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan, Uzbekistan once again made a remarkable creative appearance on the international stage. The pavilion’s concept captured the attention of both global experts and visitors alike. This time, Uzbekistan’s presence at EXPO 2025 was designed not merely to be seen or heard — but to be felt. It is a voice born of art, water, earth, and dreams.
Art is the most human way to sense the future. Today, Uzbekistan’s voice resonates not only from political platforms but also from cultural stages. From Venice to Bukhara, from Tashkent to Osaka, this journey conveys the nation’s history, present aspirations, and future dreams — all through the language of art.