CENTRE STAGE IN TASHKENT: ARTIST RESIDENCIES AT CCA OPEN DOORS TO GLOBAL TALENT
CENTRE STAGE IN TASHKENT: ARTIST RESIDENCIES AT CCA
In the heart of Tashkent’s historic neighbourhoods, the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) has launched its inaugural Artist Residencies program, offering an inspired setting for artists, designers, and researchers from around the world. A visionary project by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), this new residency initiative is not only a testament to the country’s expanding cultural investments but also a step toward establishing Tashkent as a vibrant hub for creative exchange.
Photo by Andrey Arakelyan. Courtesy of the Centre for Contemporary Art
Nestled within the atmospheric mahallas of Namuna and Khast Imom, these residencies are set to host three intakes per year, each welcoming five participants to explore, innovate, and connect with the local community. Featuring newly restored heritage sites conceptualized by French architecture firm Studio KO, the spaces are a striking blend of traditional Uzbek architecture and contemporary design, seamlessly merging history with forward-thinking creativity.
A Diverse Selection Committee to Nurture Artistic Excellence
The CCA’s Artist Residencies are bolstered by an international selection committee, including notable figures from the arts, design, and architecture worlds. The committee’s members are as varied as they are esteemed: ceramic artist Alisher Rakhimov from Uzbekistan; Saudi Arabian cultural leader Ahmad S Angawi; Carla Sodi of Mexico’s Fundación Casa Wabi; American art historian Glenn Adamson; Japanese curator Ikko Yokoyama; French design patron Pascale Siegrist Mussard; and US-based architect and designer Ronald Rael. This panel will guide the application process, evaluating proposals and offering mentorship to residents.
These mentors bring a rich tapestry of global perspectives, united by a shared goal of fostering cross-cultural dialogue. “This residency programme is an excellent and timely opportunity to bridge cultures and disciplines through art,” Adamson remarks, adding that he looks forward to seeing participants engage with Uzbekistan’s dynamic cultural scene.
Photo by Andrey Arakelyan. Courtesy of the Centre for Contemporary Art
An Immersive Cultural Experience in Historic Mahallas
Located within Tashkent’s mahallas – the Uzbek term for neighbourhood” – the residencies offer participants the opportunity to work in culturally significant settings. The Namuna mahalla, once a madrasah, has been carefully restored with the expertise of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, local artisans, and the acclaimed Studio KO. This space now features an exhibition hall, a café, workshops, and a restored ayvan – a traditional terrace – that will host gatherings and events. The building itself showcases sustainable materials, incorporating 300-year-old bricks from Bukhara.
Meanwhile, the quieter Khast Imom Mahalla, a former kindergarten, is now Central Asia’s first dedicated curatorial library, providing artists and researchers with a trove of art, history, and craft publications. In a city that has long been a crossroads of cultures, these spaces offer residents an intimate connection to the soul of Uzbekistan.
An Investment in the Future of Uzbekistan’s Cultural Landscape
The CCA Artist Residencies exemplify ACDF’s mission to cultivate a thriving cultural ecosystem. “By fostering cross-cultural collaborations, we are creating a vibrant and sustainable artistic community that reflects the heritage and aspirations of Uzbekistan,” says ACDF Chairperson Gayane Umerova. ACDF’s broader portfolio of cultural initiatives includes the ambitious new State Museum of Arts, designed by Tadao Ando, and the upcoming 2025 Bukhara Biennial – all aiming to place Uzbekistan firmly on the map of international cultural destinations.
The Centre for Contemporary Art itself, housed in a former 1912 diesel station, is undergoing a transformative renovation by Studio KO. When it reopens in 2025, the Centre will serve as a home for residencies, exhibitions, and public programs that celebrate Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary creative spirit.
For local artist Alisher Rakhimov, participating as both a selection committee member and mentor is a unique opportunity. “This is a very exciting time creatively for my country,” he shares, reflecting on how the residency program offers Uzbekistan a moment of cultural renaissance. “With initiatives like this, Tashkent is once again becoming a point of cultural convergence, fostering an environment where local and international talents can collaborate and thrive.”
As the CCA prepares to open its doors to the first intake of residents this November, anticipation is high for the works and collaborations that will emerge from this unique cultural exchange. At the heart of Tashkent’s evolving creative landscape, the CCA’s Artist Residencies promise to nurture local talent, welcome global perspectives, and transform Uzbekistan into a leading force in the arts.
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