Uzbekistan has set an ambitious target to increase the creative economy’s share of its gross domestic product to 5% by the year 2030. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined this economic goal during a recent congratulatory address directed at the nation’s cultural and artistic workers.
To actively foster the growth of local culture and the broader arts sector, the republic is currently developing a dedicated Creative Industry Park. According to Mirziyoyev, state authorities will continue to pay close attention to the long-term development of this sphere.
The president highlighted significant recent expansions in the country’s cultural infrastructure.
Uzbekistan has recently celebrated the opening of two new theatres, more than a dozen museums and various cultural centres. To support the next generation of talent, the government has also established 20 new schools dedicated to music and art alongside five higher education institutions.
Cinematic and social support
National cinema is also experiencing a revival. Mirziyoyev noted that efforts to develop the domestic film industry are already yielding substantial results, pointing specifically to the creation of highly ideological and artistic works under the «Living History» banner. Last year alone saw the production and release of 123 state-commissioned films.
Beyond infrastructure and production, the government has introduced measures to improve the livelihoods of those working within the sector. Salaries across the cultural sphere have seen a 35% increase, while 35 distinguished cultural workers were recently provided with state-funded flats.
To further encourage artistic achievement, the government has established several new accolades. Playwrights can now compete for the Mahmudkhoja Behbudiy prize, while the Batyr Zakirov prize has been created to support promising young singers. Furthermore, a new international award titled «Legacy of the Future» has been launched to recognise the outstanding contributions of both domestic and foreign creators.
