Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Press Conference on the Work Accomplished in 2023 and Plans for 2024 by the Ministry of Culture

Tashkent City March 11, 2024

On March 11, a press conference was held at the Agency for Information and Mass Communications, dedicated to the activities of the Ministry of Culture in 2023 and its plans for 2024. During the event, the Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov provided the public with a report on the ministry's activities in 2023.

It was noted that in 2023, the Ministry organized 12 international festivals and conferences in the country, and 35 creative tour trips abroad. Additionally, 17,202 concert performances held across the republic attracted 9.687 million people, while 10,586 theatrical performances in theaters reached 3.203 million spectators, and 604 circus performances by the "Uzbekcirc" state institution engaged 42,000 viewers.

A total of 110 concert performances were held in full live format in 2023, a number that is twice as high as in the same period in 2022. Moreover, high-level "Culture Caravan" events were organized in seven regions of the country, including Andijan, Bukhara, Navoi, Namangan, Fergana, Khorezm, Surkhandarya regions, and the Republic of Karakalpakstan, with renowned artists performing concert programs for the public.

In the past year, new buildings were constructed for puppet theaters in Navoi, Namangan, and Kashkadarya regions, and 7 cultural centers were repaired and put into use.

As per the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan from February 2, 2022, on "Additional Measures to Further Develop the Culture and Art Sector," district (city) culture and tourism departments were planned to be provided with special vehicles (Damas) from the state budget in 2022-2024. In this context, 110 Damas vehicles were delivered to local cultural departments, in addition to 15 ISUZU cargo vehicles provided to state theaters. Moreover, over 6,000 national musical instruments, more than 10,000 educational-methodical manuals and recommendations were given to cultural centers and children's music and art schools.

In the field of cinematography, a number of practical works were carried out, including the production of 149 films – 21 feature films, 73 documentaries, 10 animated films, 9 series, and 36 short films.

Memoranda of Understanding and cooperation programs were signed with 5 foreign countries, and "Uzbek Culture Days" were held in four countries, while "Culture Days" of four foreign countries were organized in Uzbekistan.

The "Culture and Education" channel recorded 9 opera and ballet performances (such as "Sadoqat", "Traviata", "Faust", "Shah Qalligi", "Toska", "Requiem", "Oqqush Ko‘li", "Shahrezada Ming Bir Kecha") in its "Golden Fund."

Currently, the Ministry of Culture oversees 368 educational institutions, including 325 children's music and art schools, 30 specialized art and culture schools, two colleges, one technical school, five higher education institutions, four of their branches, and two professional development centers. A total of 110,285 students receive education from 20,003 professors and teachers. Furthermore, the number of clubs in 837 cultural centers has reached 5,250, with the coverage expanding to 52,000 people.

The Ministry of Culture focuses on involving young people from all walks of life in cultural education throughout the country. Educational institutions under the ministry operate in all regions and districts, helping to nurture talents from the most remote areas.

It is worth noting that government-level decrees and resolutions play a key role in the development of our culture and its promotion globally. After the adoption of Presidential Decrees No. 222 on "Further Development of National Askiya and Humor Art" and No. 289 on "Support Measures for the Development of Uzbek National Maqam Art," several important initiatives were launched, including the creation of the Yusufjon Qiziq Shakarjonov National Askiya and Humor Arts Center in Margilan, the establishment of 28 Askiya clubs, and the staging of 5 works through state orders in regions like Andijan, Fergana, and Tashkent.

To further develop this art form and create specialized literature, four books were published, and an international laughter festival "Tabassum" has been established to promote Askiya and national humor art worldwide.

Additionally, several legal and regulatory documents were developed to strengthen the scientific and creative potential and material-technical base of cultural and art institutions.

The Minister of Culture also shared the plans for 2024 at the press conference. The event concluded with answers to media questions.

For additional information: +998 99 368-98-77 (Jamshid Niyozov)