AGP Executive Report

Contemporary Arts in Tashkent: Uzbekistan’s first permanent Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent (CCA Tashkent) has opened in a restored 1912 tram depot/diesel station, with Studio KO preserving the industrial character and adding galleries, education spaces, and a specialist research library; its inaugural exhibition “Hikmah” brings together Uzbek and international artists, and Qatar Museums chair Sheikha Al Mayassa attended the inauguration as Qatar Museums and Uzbekistan’s ACDF launch a five-year cultural collaboration. Uzbek Askiya Spotlight: A feature looks at askiya, UNESCO-listed Uzbek traditional wit contests where performers improvise rapid wordplay and audience-ready replies—now taught in schools and shared widely online. Museum Week for Locals: Uzbekistan’s traditional Museum Week runs Sept 2–8 with free entry for residents to 114 state museums (foreign tourists are excluded), plus free visits on the first Sunday of each month. Cultural Heritage Beyond Borders: At the World Nomad Games’ Rukh Ordo in Cholpon-Ata, scholars from 23 countries called for coordinated efforts to preserve nomadic cultural heritage, keep traditions living, and expand digital archives and academic exchanges. Sports & Culture Crossovers: The World Nomad Games highlighted ethnosports and traditional martial arts, with Uzbekistan’s kurash among the featured styles.

Contemporary Art in Tashkent: The Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent (CCA Tashkent) has opened in a restored 1912 industrial building, with Qatar Museums chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa attending and the inaugural exhibition “Hikmah” spotlighting artists from Uzbekistan and abroad. Cultural Diplomacy: Uzbekistan and Serbia signed a strategic partnership declaration in Belgrade covering trade, transport, energy, digitalisation and labour mobility during Mirziyoyev’s first official visit. Nomad Games Culture: At the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, traditional music festival “Köçmön dö r sanaty” wrapped up at Rukh Ordo, with Uzbekistan taking top honors in the “Urban Nomad” category and major awards across storytelling and performance. Heritage Preservation Push: Scholars from 23 countries called for coordinated efforts to keep nomadic traditions living, including digital archives and support for tradition bearers, following a conference at Rukh Ordo. Uzbekistan in the Global Arts Map: A report on Uzbekistan’s contemporary art momentum highlights the new CCA Tashkent as a key step beyond its historic tourism brand. Museum Week: Uzbekistan’s Museum Week offers free entry to 114 state museums for residents (not foreign tourists) through Sept. 8.

Contemporary Arts in Tashkent: Qatar Museums chair Sheikha Al Mayassa attended the official opening of CCA Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s first permanent contemporary arts centre, housed in a restored 1912 industrial building and launching with the exhibition “Hikmah,” alongside a new five-year Qatar–Uzbekistan collaboration for exhibitions, residencies, and museum training. Nomadic Heritage Push: Scholars from 23 countries met at Kyrgyzstan’s Rukh Ordo (part of the World Nomad Games program) to call for living preservation of nomadic traditions, with plans for international research platforms and digital archives. Uzbekistan Museum Access: Uzbekistan’s Museum Week runs Sept 2–8 with free entry for citizens to 114 state museums (free access doesn’t extend to foreign tourists). Aral Sea Tourism: Moynaq, once a fishing port, is promoted as a dramatic Aral Sea disaster destination where rusting ship remains mark the coastline’s retreat. Sports & Culture Glimpses: At the US Open, Aryna Sabalenka’s match against Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova was briefly paused over a strong cannabis smell, while Jessica Pegula rallied to reach the Round of 16.

Centre Stage in Tashkent: Qatar Museums chair Sheikha Al Mayassa attended the inauguration of Uzbekistan’s first permanent contemporary arts centre, CCA Tashkent, housed in a restored 1912 industrial building, with the inaugural exhibition “Hikmah” and plans for research and residencies. Museum Access for Locals: Uzbekistan’s Museum Week runs Sept 2–8 with free entry for residents to 114 state museums (foreign tourists excluded), plus free visits on the first Sunday each month. Nomadic Heritage Push: Scholars from 23 countries met at Kyrgyzstan’s Rukh Ordo to call for coordinated efforts to preserve the living traditions of the world’s nomadic peoples. Sports Meets Culture: The World Nomad Games spotlighted kok-boru, with Team USA athletes from Utah taking part in Kyrgyzstan. US Open Spotlight (Uzbek Link): Aryna Sabalenka advanced after a brief match stoppage over a strong cannabis smell near Louis Armstrong Stadium, while she beat Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova to reach the last 16.

Contemporary Art in Tashkent: Qatar Museums chair Sheikha Al Mayassa attended the inauguration of Uzbekistan’s first permanent Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA Tashkent), housed in a reimagined 1912 industrial building, with an opening exhibition “Hikmah” and a five-year Qatar Museums–ACDF collaboration under the Years of Culture banner. Museum Access for Locals: Uzbekistan’s Museum Week runs Sept. 2–8 with free entry for residents to 114 state museums (but not for foreign tourists), plus free visits on the first Sunday each month. Fashion Meets Sport at the US Open: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka drew attention for a $400k jewellery set said to “distract opponents,” while also briefly halting play after complaining about a strong cannabis smell near Louis Armstrong Stadium. Cultural Heritage Abroad: At Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar Museums opened “Ektashif: Uzbekistan,” featuring seven Qatari artists inspired by Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, blending Timurid motifs, ceramics and craft traditions. Aral Sea Tourism: Moynaq in Karakalpakstan is spotlighted as a haunting Aral Sea disaster site turned tourist attraction, where rusting fishing boats mark the vanished shoreline.

Contemporary Art Spotlight: Qatar Museums chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa inaugurated the Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent (CCA Tashkent), Uzbekistan’s first permanent contemporary art centre, housed in a reimagined 1912 industrial building, and toured its inaugural exhibition “Hikmah,” as Qatar Museums and Uzbekistan’s ACDF kick off a five-year collaboration under the “Years of Culture” initiative. Museum Access for Locals: Uzbekistan’s traditional Museum Week runs Sept 2–8, with residents able to visit 114 state museums for free (foreign tourists are not covered), and state museums also offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Cultural Diplomacy in Doha: Sheikha Al Mayassa also opened two Uzbekistan-themed exhibitions at Qatar’s Museum of Islamic Art—“Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion” and “Ektashif: Uzbekistan”—showcasing Uzbek heritage and living craft traditions. Arts & Heritage in the Spotlight: A reception in Ashgabat marked Uzbekistan’s 35th independence anniversary at Tashkent Park, featuring Uzbek music and a decorative arts exhibition. Sports Meets Culture (Uzbek Link): At the US Open, Aryna Sabalenka advanced after a brief match stoppage over a strong cannabis smell, while Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova was among the players in the spotlight.

Contemporary Art in Tashkent: Qatar Museums chair Sheikha Al Mayassa attended the inauguration of CCA Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s first permanent contemporary art centre, opening to the public on Sept 6 in a reimagined 1912 industrial building, with the inaugural group show “Hikmah” bringing together Uzbek and international artists. Qatar–Uzbek Cultural Deal: Qatar Museums and Uzbekistan’s ACDF signed a five-year cooperation agreement under the Years of Culture initiative, setting up residencies, research, and creative-economy projects across arts and heritage. Museum Week for Locals: Uzbekistan’s traditional Museum Week runs Sept 2–8, with residents able to visit 114 state museums for free (foreign tourists are not eligible), and free access also applies on the first Sunday of each month. Gold Watch: The World Gold Council says central banks bought a net 23 tonnes of gold in July; Uzbekistan sold about one tonne, while China was the biggest buyer. Aral Sea Tourism: Moynaq in Karakalpakstan is highlighted as a striking tourist destination where the vanished sea left rusting fishing boats and a “ship graveyard” landscape. US Open Tennis Drama (Uzbek Connection): Aryna Sabalenka advanced after a brief stoppage over a strong cannabis smell during her match against Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova.

US Open Drama: Aryna Sabalenka paused her third-round match at Louis Armstrong Stadium after complaining about a strong cannabis smell from the stands, then powered past Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 to reach the Round of 16. Fashion as Strategy: Sabalenka also leaned into her “sparkles” look—wearing a high-end gold jewellery set she says is meant to distract opponents—while continuing her title push. Uzbek Culture Abroad: Qatar Museums and Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Foundation signed a five-year cooperation deal, backing artist residencies, training, and heritage projects. Exhibitions in Doha: Two Uzbekistan-focused shows opened at the Museum of Islamic Art—“Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion” and “Ektashif: Uzbekistan”—bringing Timurid architecture, ceramics, and craft traditions to new audiences. Nomad Games Spotlight: At the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan-born and regional traditions kept taking center stage, including kok-boru and traditional music events at Rukh Ordo. Sports with Uzbek Ties: UFC Paris featured Uzbekistan’s Nursulton Ruziboev in the card, while cycling and regional tech partnerships also kept Central Asia in the headlines.

Uzbek Cultural Diplomacy in Qatar: Qatar Museums and Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) signed a five-year cooperation deal, setting up artist residencies, training, research, and heritage conservation under the “Years of Culture” push. Museum Spotlight: At Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, two exhibitions opened—“Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion” and “Ektashif: Uzbekistan”—with Qatari artists drawing on Timurid architecture, ceramics, ikat textiles, and living craft traditions. Sports Meets Spotlight (US Open): Aryna Sabalenka advanced in New York after a brief stoppage when she complained about a strong cannabis smell from the stands during her match vs Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova; she later won 6-3, 6-4. Local Arts & Heritage: Uzbekistan’s 35th Independence anniversary reception was held at Ashgabat’s Tashkent Park, featuring Uzbek music and a decorative arts exhibition. Tech-to-Culture Link: Cyberport and Astana Hub (with IT Park Uzbekistan) deepened ties to support AI, fintech, and creative-industry startups across Central Asia and into China.

Uzbek Heritage in Qatar: Qatar Museums and Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) signed a five-year cooperation deal, turning cultural exchange into long-term work on talent, research, artist residencies, and heritage conservation. Museum Spotlight: At Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, two exhibitions opened—“Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion” and “Ektashif: Uzbekistan”—with Qatari artists responding to Timurid architecture, ceramics, ikat textiles, and living craft traditions. Diplomatic Arts Link: Uzbekistan’s presidential administration head Saida Mirziyoyeva met Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, discussing new joint initiatives and attending the “Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion” opening. Sports-Fashion Moment: At the US Open, world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka beat Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova, but the match briefly paused after she complained about a strong cannabis smell from the stands. Tech & Creative Economy: Cyberport and Astana Hub deepened ties with a hub-to-hub partnership aimed at AI, fintech, smart city solutions, and market access for startups across Central Asia.

Qatar–Uzbekistan Cultural Diplomacy: Qatar Museums and Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) signed a five-year cooperation pact, setting up long-term work across artist residencies, training, joint exhibitions, and Islamic heritage conservation. MIA Exhibitions in Doha: Sheikha Al Mayassa inaugurated two Uzbek-focused shows at the Museum of Islamic Art—“Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion” (140 objects, 13 museums) and “Ektashif: Uzbekistan” (works by seven Qatari artists inspired by Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara). Uzbek Heritage on the Move: Uzbekistan’s cultural presence also surfaced through a Doha exhibition opening tied to the ACDF–Qatar Museums partnership, reinforcing the “heritage + contemporary creativity” theme. Music Across Borders: At Rukh Ordo in Cholpon-Ata, the “Nomads Art” festival and international music sessions brought together traditional performers and instruments from across Central Asia and beyond, with Uzbek participation highlighted. Sports With Cultural Flavor: The VI World Nomad Games in Issyk-Kul kept culture and sport intertwined, from wrestling medals to craft and yurt traditions. Uzbekistan in Global Arts News: A photo-and-culture cooperation push between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan continued, with new ideas for joint events discussed in Bukhara.

Qatar–Uzbekistan Cultural Deal: Qatar Museums and Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) signed a five-year cooperation pact, aiming to build talent, back the creative economy, and expand artist residencies, training, and joint projects. Uzbek Heritage at MIA: Sheikha Al Mayassa inaugurated two Uzbek-focused exhibitions at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art—“Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion” (through Nov 28) and “Ektashif: Uzbekistan” (through Nov 24)—showcasing centuries of crafts, culture, and contemporary works. New Contemporary Art Hub in Tashkent: The Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA Tashkent) is set to open Sept 6 in a renovated 1912 diesel power plant, with exhibition, education, research, and public spaces. Nomad Games Spotlight: Kyrgyzstan won the first gold at the VI World Nomad Games in Issyk-Kul, while Uzbekistan athletes also featured in early medal moments. Uzbekistan in Global Sports/Screen Culture: Aryna Sabalenka advanced at the US Open and will face Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova next; meanwhile, Michael “Venom” Page eyes a UFC Paris showdown tied to Uzbekistan’s Nursulton Ruziboev. Cultural Music Exchange: Rukh Ordo in Cholpon-Ata hosted international traditional music sessions featuring performers from multiple countries, including Uzbekistan.

World Nomad Games: Turkmenistan opened the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan with gold and bronze in traditional wrestling (goresh) over 100kg, while Uzbekistan also took a bronze in kurash. Uzbek-Azerbaijan Culture: Cultural leaders in Bukhara met to plan new cooperation, including proposed Days of Azerbaijani Culture and Art in the region. Museum & Fashion Spotlight: Qatar Museums opened “Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion” at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, featuring 146 objects, plus fashion and immersive installations running through Nov 28. Contemporary Art in Tashkent: The Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA Tashkent) will open in September in a renovated 1912 diesel power plant, with exhibition, education, library, and research spaces. Music Across Borders: Rukh Ordo in Cholpon-Ata hosted international traditional music sessions, from throat singing to ensembles from Bangladesh, New Zealand, Russia, China, and Uzbekistan. Sports & Youth: Uzbekistan’s teams are set to compete in Bhutan’s CAVA Beach Volleyball Tour in Thimphu (Sept 4–6). Heritage Through Photography: A new project retraces Paul Nadar’s 1890 journey using his archive to explore how Uzbekistan—and outsiders’ views—have changed.

Museum Spotlight: Qatar Museums chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa opened two exhibitions at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art—“Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion” and “Ektashif: Uzbekistan”—bringing Uzbek culture and heritage to international audiences. New Art Space in Tashkent: The Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA Tashkent), Uzbekistan’s first permanent contemporary art hub, is set to open Sept 6 in a renovated 1912 diesel power plant, with galleries, education, research, and a library. Independence & Culture on Display: Uzbekistan’s 35th Independence celebrations in Tashkent blended drones, 3D projections, robotics and music, while a media forum on “Islamic Civilization” drew international journalists. Sports Meets Tradition: The 6th World Nomad Games in Bishkek and Cholpon-Ata run through Sept 6, with Uzbekistan’s kurash among traditional disciplines and Mongolian wrestling already producing gold for Anar Dorj. Weekend Picks (Qatar): Doha’s September calendar highlights include the Qatar Event Show, Doha Trade Fair, and the MIA Uzbek heritage exhibitions. Fashion/Wellness Travel: Destination by Hyatt debuted in Uzbekistan with Beldersoy Resort & Spa in the Chimgan-Bostanliq mountains, featuring a thalasso-inspired spa.

Contemporary Art in Tashkent: The Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA Tashkent) — Uzbekistan’s first permanent contemporary art hub — is set to open September 6 in a renovated 1912 diesel power plant, with exhibition halls, a library, education and research spaces, and plans to connect local artists with the international scene. Cultural Diplomacy & Independence Celebrations: Uzbekistan’s 35th Independence Day festivities in Tashkent mixed drones, 3D projections, robotics and star performances, while international media followed a major forum on “Islamic Civilization: A New Perspective — New Discoveries.” Regional Arts Spotlight: The World Nomad Games opened in Bishkek with huge crowds and a show blending traditional sports and modern spectacle, sparking wide social media buzz across Central Asia. Food Festival Milestone: Zaube Wild Food Festival marks its 10th anniversary this weekend at Zaube Manor Park, featuring new dishes and workshops plus family activities. India–Uzbekistan Cultural Links: PM Modi urged translation of the Tamil classic Thirukkural into Uzbek at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, reinforcing growing cultural ties. Hospitality with a Wellness Twist: Destination by Hyatt debuts in Uzbekistan at the Beldersoy Resort and Spa in Chimgan-Bostanliq, anchored by a thalasso-inspired spa.

Independence Day in Tashkent: Uzbekistan marked 35 years of independence with a major state ceremony and a high-tech spectacle—drones, robotics, music and giant 3D projections—while international media had been observing the country’s image-building push ahead of Sept. 1. India–Uzbekistan cultural bridge: PM Narendra Modi urged Uzbek institutions to translate the Tamil classic Thirukkural into Uzbek, calling it a universal source of wisdom; the visit also featured Uzbek students reciting Modi’s poems in both Hindi and Uzbek at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre. Wellness tourism in Uzbekistan: Destination by Hyatt opened its first Uzbek property, Beldersoy Resort and Spa in Chimgan-Bostanliq, bringing a thalasso-inspired spa with sea- and mineral-based therapies, multiple pools and mountain-focused fitness. Regional arts spotlight: The World Nomad Games in Bishkek turned into a major cultural show with traditional sports and performances, while Busan’s film scene unveiled a star-studded guest lineup including Uzbek filmmaker Botir Abdurakhmanov in the competition.