At the State Institute of Arts and Culture of Uzbekistan, the Department of “Pop and Mass Performance Arts” hosted a republican scientific-practical conference on the theme “Pop Art of the New Era: In Spiritual, Artistic, and Educational Contexts.”

The main goal of the conference was to study and analyze the spiritual, artistic, and educational aspects of pop art in the cultural development of New Uzbekistan; to develop theoretical and practical recommendations aimed at reforming the process of training highly qualified specialists in pop acting and directing of mass festivities and performances; and to strengthen scientific and creative cooperation among science, education, and industry.

The conference gathered leading specialists in the field — directors and chief producers of capital theatres, television directors, professors, researchers, master’s students, and talented undergraduates, as well as directors and teachers of cultural and art institutions across the republic.

Opening the conference, the Rector of the Institute, Professor Nodirbek Sayfullayev, emphasized the role of art — particularly pop art and mass performances — in shaping the spiritual and cultural image of New Uzbekistan. He drew attention to achievements and existing shortcomings in the field, the need for deeper integration between educational institutions and creative industries, and wished success to all participants.

During the plenary session, the following presentations were delivered:
Prof. Dr. Muhabbat Tulyakhodjayeva — “Artistic and Aesthetic Value of Modern Pop Art, Contemporary Trends in Television Music Videos, Achievements and Challenges.”
Prof. Jahongir Mamatqosimov — “Application of Innovative Technologies in the Directing of Modern Mass Festivals, Integration of Science, Education, and Production: Issues and Solutions.”
Husniddin Ato, Head of OXUS Culture — “International Experience in Organizing Mass Celebrations and Festivals.”
Acting Professor Ramz Qodirov — “Specifics of Teaching Stage Speech in Acting Specialties: Developing Stage Speech of Pop Performers.”
Rauf Nabiyev, Director of Rapid Company, Film Director and Clip Maker — “The Importance of Using Artificial Intelligence in the Modern Media Sphere and Current Developments in Uzbekistan.”
Dr. Charos Rakhimova (PhD), Senior Researcher at the Research Institute of Cultural Studies and Intangible Cultural Heritage — “The Role of Pop Art in the Formation of National Identity.”
Prof. Lola Ganieva, Candidate of Art Studies — “Issues of Performance Mastery in the Pop Art of the New Era.”

Each presentation was warmly received and generated lively discussions.

The conference continued in two parallel sessions:
“Current Issues of Pop Art: In the Context of Tradition and Modernity,”
“Current Issues of Training Specialists in Pop Art.”

More than 50 reports on the development of the field were presented. The Department of “Pop and Mass Performance Arts” also gave a presentation on its educational, methodological, research, and international cooperation activities.

As part of the conference, a performance titled “Autumn”, staged by Professor Temur Rashidov and performed by 3rd-year students of “Pop Acting Art,” was presented. The discussion highlighted its artistic quality and its alignment with the aesthetics of the pop theatre genre.

The conference concluded with an analysis of the cultural significance of pop art in social life, the development of forward-looking plans, examination of pressing issues in training directors of mass performances and pop actors, and review of international experiences in organizing mass events. Recommendations were also made for improving faculty qualifications abroad.

At the end of the event, participants were awarded certificates.

Today, Professor Nodirbek Sayfullayev, Rector of the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture, together with a delegation of the institute’s professors and teachers, paid a visit to the International Mugham Center in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan.

At the beginning of the visit, Professor Sayfullayev met with the Director of the Mugham Center, Sahib Pashazade. During the meeting, the parties discussed strengthening cultural ties between the two countries, expanding creative cooperation, and implementing joint projects.

During the conversation, both sides reached an agreement to organize future joint events such as master classes, concert programs, and scientific-practical seminars.

At the opening of the joint concert program held at the Mugham Center, Professor Sayfullayev delivered a speech.

In his address, he stated:
— The cultural relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have a long history and continue to develop steadily today. The bonds of friendship and brotherhood between our two nations are strengthening not only in the political or economic spheres but also in the fields of art and culture. Today’s joint concert is a vivid manifestation of these friendly ties.

— We are united by shared values and common cultural roots. Therefore, our common goal is to further expand these relations and elevate our creative cooperation to a new level, — he said.

Recognizing the contribution of the Mugham Center’s Director, Sahib Pashazade, Professor Sayfullayev awarded him the title of Honorary Professor of the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture. He also spoke about the institute’s training theater and the facilities available there for hosting similar events.

Furthermore, he expressed his pleasure in emphasizing that the doors of the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture are always open to representatives of Azerbaijani culture.
At the end of the meeting, both sides exchanged memorable gifts.

The event concluded with a joint concert featuring professors and teachers of the institute together with vocalists and instrumentalists from the National Mugham Center.

Strengthening the bonds of friendship and cultural cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, further developing collaboration between the two higher education institutions, exchanging creative experience, and expanding interaction between professors, teachers, and students — all this can rightfully be considered one of the important reforms currently being implemented between the two countries.

These days, a delegation of professors and teachers from the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture, headed by Rector Professor Nodirbek Sayfullayev, is on a working visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan. The purpose of the visit is to exchange experience, improve professional skills, and organize a joint concert at the International Mugham Center of Azerbaijan.

The delegation includes professors and teachers from the Faculty of Folk Art — the departments of “National Singing” and “Instrumental Performance”: People’s Singers of Uzbekistan, Professors Beknazar Dusmuradov and Soyibjon Niyozov; Honored Artist of Uzbekistan, Professor Akhmatjon Dadayev; Associate Professors Yusuf Vahidov, Husniddin Khusanov, Acting Associate Professor Qahramon Turayev, and teacher Javohir Turatov.

On the first day of their visit, the delegation visited the Carpet Museum — the first carpet museum in the world — and the Azerbaijan Museum of Art, where they became acquainted with various carpet weaving techniques and information related to different historical periods.

After that, they visited the International Mugham Center of Azerbaijan, where they met with the Center’s Director, Sahib Pashazade. During the meeting, the parties discussed the Center’s activities and issues related to thorough preparation for the upcoming joint creative concert.

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.

At the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture, together with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the 1st international scientific and practical conference was held on the topic “ECOSYSTEM OF THE LIBRARY FIELD IN THE AGE OF DIGITIZATION: COOPERATION, INTEGRATION AND INNOVATION”, organized by the department “Library funds and bibliography” of the institute.

The conference was opened by acting Rector of the Institute Eldor Shermanov, who noted that librarianship is considered one of the most advanced and honorable branches of each era. At the same time, Eldor Shermanov stated that in the age of technology, this area should not lag behind the requirements of the time.

Professor of the Department of Library Science of the Institute Ibrahim Yuldashev and Director of the National Library of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi Umida Teshabayeva also addressed the conference participants with words of greeting.

At the plenary session of the conference, along with professors, doctors of science, scientists and representatives of the intelligentsia of our Republic, invited experts from universities in Russia and Kazakhstan took part. In addition, representatives of many foreign universities took part online through the Zoom platform.

After the plenary session, sessional sessions of the conference were held on the topics “Priority directions of library science, bibliographic and document research”, “Digital technologies in library science, processes of cooperation and integration of innovations and their impact on the development of international relations”, “Intensification of the activities of information and library institutions and preparation personnel in the digital environment.”

At the end of the conference, participants were awarded certificates.

Gerald Lidston, founder of the Institute of Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship at Goldsmith University in London, UK, visited the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture today.

During the visit, Gerald Lidston met with the acting rector of the Institute, Eldor Shermanov. During the dialogue, issues of cooperation in the field of culture and art management, tourism, design and other areas were discussed. In addition, the guest was able to got the opportunity to get acquainted with the the educational process at our institute.
At the end of the visit, Gerald Lidston was awarded the title of Honorary professor of the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture.

For your information, Gerald Lidston is the author of a number of master’s degree programs, including a master’s degree program in the field of art management and cultural policy. Initially, Gerald Lidston worked as a stage designer, manager and lighting designer, and has extensive experience working in Eastern Europe and the USA.
Gerald Lidston has also taught at the British Council and other agencies, as well as at art and cultural management training courses in more than 20 countries. In particular, he implemented a 12-year project at Hanoi University of Culture on “art management”, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam and funded by the Foundation.
In addition, Gerald Lidston was the director of a four-year project of the British Know-how Foundation to create education in the field of art management in Slovakia. As a result, the first book on art management in the Slovak language was published, and the British Council’s project “be near the museum” in this state was implemented.