Gayane Umerova
Commissioner of the Bukhara Biennial and chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation  

‘The establishment of the Bukhara Biennial marks an important milestone in the development of contemporary culture and heritage preservation in Central Asia. Conceiving it as one of the largest cultural initiatives in the region, we aim to position Bukhara – a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art – as a dynamic platform for engaging with Uzbekistan’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. This Biennial emerges at a moment when Bukhara, historically a global hub of trade, arts, crafts, and scholarship, is undergoing a major conservation and revitalization effort.’

Our goal is to create a space for interdisciplinary and intercultural collaborations, bringing together artists, artisans, architects, designers, chefs, musicians, and other creatives. By spearheading this initiative, we aspire to establish a vibrant setting where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary artistry, and where the stories of our glorious past inform and inspire the narratives of the future.

Biography

Gayane Umerova is dedicated to developing the culture sector in Uzbekistan.

As chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) and Deputy Head of the Department of Social Development of the Presidential Administration, Gayane Umerova is at the helm of building Uzbekistan’s cultural infrastructure. Her efforts are bringing the nation’s art, artists, and cultural heritage into the global spotlight. Currently, she is overseeing the restoration and development of the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Tashkent, poised to become a new cultural hub for the region. She is also driving the construction of the new State Museum of Arts designed by Tadao Ando, hosting the World Conference on Creative Economy in October 2024, and is commissioner for Uzbekistan’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka among other significant projects.

Committed to boosting Uzbekistan’s prominence on the international culture scene, Umerova serves as the Chairperson of the National Commission of Uzbekistan on UNESCO Affairs under the Cabinet of Ministers and as the commissioner of the Uzbekistan Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2021. Her public service commitment is evident in her dedication to creating opportunities for young people in Uzbekistan’s cultural sector and fostering a cultural economy that unites communities and generations.