President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation of proposals for improving management in the field of culture and art, and developing handicrafts.
As is known, the Botir Zokirov National Institute of Variety Art was established by Presidential decree. Now it is planned to create a memorial museum of the artist, introduce a scholarship named after Botir Zakirov, and hold an international variety show competition. The most active graduates of the institute's bachelor's degree programs will be sent abroad for master's studies, and the participation of talented students in prestigious international competitions will be supported.
During his visit to the Andijan region, the head of state initiated the perpetuation of the memory of People's Artist Sherali Jo'rayev. In accordance with this, a Higher School of Music and Art named after the artist will be created on the basis of the art school in Andijan. The Sherali Jo'rayev National Song Contest is held annually. A scientific and creative laboratory will be created at the university, and a "golden fund" of Sherali Juraev's songs will be created. A modern sound recording and filming studio will be created, which will allow talented young creators to benefit from it on preferential terms.
Currently, 8 professional orchestras operate in our country as part of the State Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan and the Philharmonic. However, they will only participate in events at the republican level in Tashkent. Therefore, it is planned to gradually organize such orchestras on the ground as well. In particular, a symphony orchestra and an orchestra of national instruments will be created in the Fergana region. They will be provided with the necessary musical instruments, sound amplification and lighting equipment, stage costumes, and other equipment. The Head of State emphasized the need to deeply convey to the population the best works of national and world art, organize tours in districts and cities.
In our country, with its rich and diverse culture, there are very wide opportunities for the development of a creative economy. Currently, 14 thousand enterprises operate in this sphere, employing about 100 thousand people. In the next 5 years, it is planned to double the volume of the creative economy and bring its share in the gross domestic product to 5 percent. Last year, a law was adopted in this area. The Fourth World Conference on the Creative Economy was held in Tashkent. Extensive cooperation has been established with international structures such as UNESCO, UNCTAD, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and countries such as France, Italy, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
One of the largest branches of the creative industry is handicrafts. During the past period of the year, the export of such products amounted to 6.5 million dollars. Proposals for the further development of handicrafts were considered at the presentation. In particular, it is planned to create an academic platform in Tashkent in cooperation with the Royal Foundation of Great Britain. Through it, the training of masters, conducting research, and the introduction of textbooks will be established. This platform will gradually cover more than 3 thousand talented artisans. In the future, it is planned to transform it into a school of applied arts.
In 2023, Bukhara was included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the "Crafts and Folk Art" category. There, 2 thousand artisans will work in 36 areas. In September-November, the first Biennale of Contemporary Art will be held in Bukhara. It will be attended by 70 famous artists from 40 countries. The Head of State noted the importance of organizing such large-scale events at a high level, which will give a great impetus to the development of cultural tourism.
Another region with great potential for tourism is Karakalpakstan. Currently, 2,000 young people are professionally engaged in national crafts. Many more want to master these professions. In this regard, it is planned to transform the Istiqlol Park in Nukus into a creative cluster and organize the Aral School, which will train artisans and designers by combining traditional knowledge and innovative ideas.
Responsible persons were given instructions on the high-quality implementation of projects and holding events at a high level.