An international scientific-theoretical conference on the theme “Topical Issues of Art Studies and Cultural Studies: Problems and Solutions” was held by the State Institute of Arts and Culture of Uzbekistan.

The event, organized at the “Renessans” cinema house, brought together prominent national and international scholars and experts who delivered their research presentations.

Opening the plenary session, Rector of the Institute, Professor Nodirbek Sayfullayev, expressed his sincere pleasure at seeing all participants at this prestigious scientific gathering. He noted:

“I am very pleased to welcome you all to this important conference. In today’s rapidly globalizing and integrating world, adapting national culture to modern processes, promoting it internationally, and ensuring its dynamic development have become priorities of our state policy. The strategies, state programs, and legal acts being implemented at the initiative of our President are taking the development of the sector to a new stage.”

He emphasized that topical issues in art studies and cultural studies are being deeply explored, with new theoretical approaches, analytical discussions, and academic debates actively developing. In this regard, Professor Sayfullayev expressed confidence that the international conference “Topical Issues of Art Studies and Cultural Studies: Problems and Solutions” serves not only as a platform for discussing existing challenges but also for putting forward scientifically grounded proposals and initiatives for their solutions.

Afterwards, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan Murodjon Majidov and Director General of the Cinematography Agency Shukhratilla Rizayev took the floor, wishing success to the conference participants. In their speeches, they emphasized the significance of the event and noted the ongoing reforms in the fields of culture and art in Uzbekistan — particularly in supporting creative youth and expanding international cooperation.

Through video communication, President of Tianjin Conservatory of Music, Mr. Wang Hongwei, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech.

During the plenary session, presentations were delivered by:

Professor Jeyran Mahmudova, Rector of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts — “Topical Issues of Cultural Education in Azerbaijan”;

Professor Roza Akhmadiyeva, Rector of the Kazan State Institute of Culture — “Revitalization of the Ethnocultural Traditions of the Peoples of Russia”;

Professor Olesya Kutkina, Rector of the Altai State Institute of Culture — “Professional Cooperation between Art Education Institutions and Cultural Organizations as a Means of Developing the Socio-Cultural Sphere of the State”;

Professor Jin-Hwan Ra, Sungkyul University (Republic of Korea) — “Towards Social Harmony: Integrating Others’ Perspectives into Public Discourse”;

Professor Muhabbat Tulyakhodjayeva, State Institute of Arts and Culture of Uzbekistan — “Speaking Mise-en-Scenes: The Expression of Ideological and Thematic Content in Directing Art”;

Professor Abdukhalil Mavrulov, State Institute of Arts and Culture of Uzbekistan — “The History of Uzbekistan as Cultural History.”

At the conclusion of the plenary session, the speakers were presented with certificates and commemorative gifts.

The conference continued in two breakout sessions titled “Topical Issues of Art Studies: Tradition and Modernity” and “Integrational and Transformational Processes in Socio-Cultural Activity”, where around 40 research presentations were delivered.

The conference proceedings have been published as a collected volume.

On September 19–20 of this year, Bakhtiyor Yakubov, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation of the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture, and Maksim Savochkin, Director of the Institute’s Center for Digital Educational Technologies, participated in a conference held at the Jilin International University of Education in Changchun, People’s Republic of China.

During a cordial meeting with the University President, Ms. Xin He, Vice-Rector Bakhtiyor Yakubov expressed his gratitude for the invitation and conveyed the congratulations of Professor Nodirbek Sayfullayev, Rector of the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture, on the occasion of the university’s 30th anniversary.

Ms. Xin He expressed sincere appreciation for the visit and confidence that this meeting would mark new stages of fruitful cooperation between the two universities.

Following this, at the initiative of the International Art Academy of the University, a roundtable discussion was held on cooperation between China and Uzbekistan in the field of art education. The event was attended by the Academy’s Director, Mr. Wang Xianhui, Vice-Rectors Guo Tingjun and Wang Zhuo, and members of the faculty. This meeting became an important part of the university’s anniversary celebrations and provided an opportunity to further deepen bilateral cooperation in art education and promote cultural exchange.

During the discussion, Mr. Wang Xianhui warmly welcomed the Uzbekistan delegation and shared the university’s key achievements over the past 30 years in language education, art programs, and international collaboration. He emphasized that the International Art Academy focuses on innovative development through the integration model of “art + foreign language + digital technology” and expressed hope that this meeting would serve as an important step toward joint progress.

In response, Vice-Rector Bakhtiyor Yakubov spoke about the history and unique educational areas of the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture, expressing interest in further developing cooperation in art education, scientific research, and student exchange.

Both sides discussed promising areas of collaboration, including the creation of joint courses, faculty and student exchanges, art exhibitions, and research partnerships. They also proposed double-degree undergraduate programs (“2+2”), combined bachelor’s–master’s programs (“2+3”), and international summer school projects. Participants noted that this meeting marked an important milestone in building a “community of shared destiny” in art education between China and Uzbekistan and would help create new opportunities for the younger generation of both countries.

As a symbol of long-term friendship and partnership, the parties exchanged cultural gifts.

After the official part, the guests toured the university library, the International Education Center, and the “Global Village” practical training base. They also had the opportunity to learn about the university’s scientific achievements, educational facilities, student-created works of applied art, exhibitions dedicated to the university’s anniversary, and the culture and lifestyle of Jilin Province.

Participants highly praised the university’s accomplishments over its 30-year history, its contribution to cultural dialogue, experience in training international specialists, and active support for the “Belt and Road” initiative.

On the second day of the visit, the Conference of Presidents of Chinese and Foreign Universities took place, where participants discussed strategic directions for developing international cooperation in education, science, and innovation. They shared experiences in implementing educational programs, digitalizing learning processes, and developing joint research projects.

The conference emphasized that international cooperation plays a decisive role in shaping a modern educational environment and training a new generation of specialists capable of working effectively in a globalized world.

The visit of representatives of the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture to the Jilin International University of Education confirmed the beginning of a new stage in the development of bilateral relations. The agreements reached and planned projects laid a solid foundation for expanding academic and cultural cooperation, as well as for strengthening friendship between Uzbekistan and China.