Uzbekistan, Tashkent – AN Podrobno.uz. Uzbekistan is fundamentally changing its approach to financing and managing the culture and arts sector. The core idea of the reform is efficiency and a results-oriented focus. The authorities plan to more actively involve the private sector through public-private partnership mechanisms, as well as improve the quality of services in the field.
The relevant decree was signed by the president. One of the key innovations is the transition to a KPI system: from July 1, 2026, the work of heads of culture departments will be evaluated based on specific indicators. Depending on the results, they will be rewarded or, conversely, their position suitability will be reviewed. A rating of culture departments will also be introduced – priority will be given to those who better cover the population with events and preserve national values.
Some changes will affect infrastructure: cultural centers will be transferred to the system of district and city khokimiyats, and inefficient institutions will be optimized. At the same time, new formats will be developed – for example, as an experiment, it is planned to implement one investment project of the "Madaniyat mehmonxonasi" cultural cluster in the regions and Tashkent.
Until 2030, the transfer of cultural objects to private partners will be simplified in a test mode if their value does not exceed one million dollars. Special emphasis is placed on supporting initiatives: from August 1, 2026, a grant system will operate for theaters, circuses, music, cinema, animation, as well as educational and social projects in the cultural sphere. Startups and projects related to digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence will also be able to receive funding.
In addition, from the 2026/2027 academic year, the work of specialized technical schools and specialized art schools will be updated, and some of them will be reconstructed and expanded. Earlier, the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan made an official statement regarding the draft presidential decree, which provides for a new procedure for taxing artists and presenters.
Source: podrobno.uz