Shavkat Mirziyoyev meets with representatives of culture and art sector

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that strong economic foundations are necessary for the development of these spheres and listed the measures taken in this direction. In particular, this year the largest amount of funds - 134 trillion soums - has been allocated to the social sphere.

The development rates in the world have become rapid, the impact of unfavorable processes does not bypass the country.

- It is known from history that in a difficult situation, when threats to the homeland and fate of the people increased, it was selfless patriots of the nation - representatives of the intelligentsia, poets and writers, artists, workers in the field of spirituality and education with an inspired heart and soul who bravely entered the arena. At present, when our country is entering a new, high stage of its development, we need such mature talent as our ancestors-jadids like water and air, who, along with mastering the achievements of Western science, are also educated in the spirit of nationalism. – Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

The head of state outlined his vision in nine areas of work and put forward important initiatives.

First, he emphasized that it is necessary, to develop a separate program document on the development of the national idea, which will serve as a methodological guide for further work in the field of spirituality and education. There are increasing cases of advancing religious views that contradict the Constitution and laws of Uzbekistan and even place them above the Constitution and laws and consider secular values as sacred. The President cited the words of the great enlightener Ibrata-domla: "If minds work, the nation is definitely going to become a better place". Education will remain in the center of attention. It is necessary to ensure equality in this sphere as well, in particular girls' access to education and vocational training.

Second, the responsibility of mayors for spiritual and educational work will be increased. Houses of spirituality and education will be opened in cities and districts of the republic.

Third, a program for the development of theater art will be developed. It will include creative commissions for the best plays, improving the skills of creative and support staff abroad, establishing the Mannon Uygur Award for young filmmakers and other measures. It is proposed to declare one day a month as "Theatre Day" in departments and institutions, and to organize trips to theaters.

Fourth, the activity of the existing 837 cultural centers is very important for the population's leisure time. There are about 4 thousand clubs in them, in which more than 120 thousand young people are engaged. However, some centers do not have their own building, and there is a need for 8 thousand musical instruments. Mayors were instructed accordingly in this regard.

Fifth, the scientific study and development of Makom and Bakhshi art will be strengthened. Schools will be established to continue the traditions of unique examples of cultural heritage such as maqom, katta ashula, Bakhshi art, atlas and adras, pottery and jewelry.

Sixth, the development of music and dance will be further supported.

Seventh, cultural diplomacy abroad will be expanded. Next year, a conference on the world creative economy will be held in Tashkent, and an international scientific conference on the "Culture of the Aral Sea" will be held in Nukus.

A seven-year program to improve the activities of museums will be adopted. It is planned to construct new buildings of the Museum of History and the Museum of Arts. The expositions of the Museums of Temurid History and Nature will be renewed. The Alisher Navoi Museum of Literature will be thoroughly renovated. A National Restoration Center will be established in collaboration with France. Conservation and restoration of the pages of the Qur'an of Uthman will also be carried out.

Eighth, a strong impulse will be given to the development of cinematography. In order to develop cinematography as a branch of the economy, the task has been set to create free economic film zones in Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent regions. It was proposed to organize "Cinema Park" similar to the free economic zone "IT Park".

Ninth, a separate program will be adopted to further develop the sphere of fine and applied arts. In particular, the Central Exhibition Hall will be reconstructed and equipped on the basis of world standards. A modern gallery and a Center for Young Artists consisting of 40 creative workshops will be built on the territory of the Art Fund. To link the art of calligraphy and miniature art with practice, a national-style paper-making workshop will be established. Initiatives have been put forward to improve the quality of education in the sphere, to increase the salaries of teachers of music and art schools, to cover the communal expenses of schools at the expense of the budget.

The head of state paid special attention to improving the effectiveness of teaching the Uzbek language. The teachers of Uzbek language and literature who have a national certificate will be paid a 50 percent bonus from the next academic year.

The President touched upon the importance of the translation profession and proposed to establish the Ogahi International Prize to reward their labor with dignity. The task was set to create a portal "Uzbek Culture" which will cover the topics of literature, cinema, history, art and oral folk art.