The "3rd International Maqom Art Forum" will be held on June 23–26 of this year in the city of Namangan, Namangan Region, under the auspices of UNESCO and ISESCO.

This prestigious cultural event has been organized once every two years since 2018. The main goals of the forum are to widely promote, preserve, and develop maqom art — one of the unique traditions of Eastern classical music — to increase interest in this art form among young people, and to strengthen cultural and scientific-creative cooperation at the international level.

The following main events are planned within the framework of the forum:

• Scientific-practical conference;
• International competition among maqom ensembles, vocalists, and instrumentalists;
• Solo concerts featuring prominent artists from Uzbekistan and abroad.

Maqom ensembles of up to 7 members, solo performers, musicologists, festival organizers, music managers, and media representatives may participate in the forum. Prominent artists, composers, and specialists will also participate upon invitation from the Organizing Committee.

A jury of 7 international experts will be formed to evaluate the competition results.

Participants' performances will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• National and distinctive aspects of maqom art;
• Artistic and aesthetic level;
• Performance mastery.

Competition winners will be awarded diplomas, statuettes, and the following cash prizes:

• Grand Prix — $15,000 USD
• 1st Place (2 winners) — $10,000 USD each
• 2nd Place (2 winners) — $7,000 USD each
• 3rd Place (2 winners) — $5,000 USD each

In addition, special awards will be presented in the following nominations: "Best Maqom Vocalist," "Best Maqom Instrumentalist," "Best Maqom Master," "Best Maqom Promoter," "Best Young Maqom Performer," and "Best Maqom Composer."

The 3rd International Maqom Art Forum will serve to widely promote our national musical heritage on a global scale, develop intercultural dialogue, and elevate international cooperation in the field of art to a new level.

Foreign candidates wishing to participate must register and submit their performance materials through a dedicated online application by May 20, 2026: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6YTtkLfSYu9lw2hEFlIXONtrK0IZ9v7-fpIBnpY3jlWDZfg/viewform

The list of selected participants will be announced on June 1, 2026 by the Organizing Committee.

For additional information: Email: maqomartinternationalforum@gmail.com