President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the new Center for Contemporary Art.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the newly established Center for Contemporary Art in Tashkent and familiarized himself with the conditions created there.

 

 

The Center for Contemporary Art is one of the leading projects of the Uzbekistan Foundation for the Development of Culture and Arts, serving to develop contemporary art in the country, support creatives, and expand international cultural ties.

 

 

The Center is considered the first state institution in Uzbekistan specializing in contemporary art. It is also noted as the first cultural complex of this scale in Central Asia that combines exhibition, educational, research, and enlightenment activities.

 

 

The Center is located in a historic building constructed in 1912 based on the design of architect Wilhelm Heynselman. Initially serving as a tram depot, the building was later used as a diesel electric station. The architectural concept for its restoration was developed by the French bureau "Studio KO." During the restoration process, the building's historical appearance and features characteristic of industrial architecture were preserved.

 

 

The complex includes exhibition and educational spaces, areas for meetings and public events, as well as a concept store and restaurant. Additionally, a specialized library and research archive operate for visitors.

 

 

The Center plans to host exhibitions, lectures, open conversations and discussions, film screenings, concerts, performances, creative workshops, and art-residency programs. These projects are aimed at supporting local creatives, curators, researchers, and young professionals.

 

 

The complex will commence its activities with the inaugural international exhibition titled "Hikmah" ("Wisdom"). The exposition will feature 11 works by renowned artists, including pieces created specifically for the Center. For the first time in Uzbekistan, an installation from the collection of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York will also be presented.

 

 

The Center is developing cooperation with foreign cultural institutions such as the Guggenheim Museum and the National Museum of Asian Art in the USA, the "Tate" and "Delfina Foundation" organizations in the United Kingdom, the Pompidou Center in France, and the Arts Council Korea.

 

 

The President emphasized the importance of turning the Center into an open, vibrant creative space for young creatives, the professional community, and the general public, expanding international ties, and supporting the projects of Uzbek creatives.

The official opening of the Center for Contemporary Art is scheduled for September 6.