Gayane Umerova is a unique individual in the world of arts and culture. At just 39 years old, she exudes a sense of wisdom and grace that is rare to find. She is the chair of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), where she plays a crucial role in promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage on a global stage.
One of the key projects that Umerova and her team worked on was the London exhibition, “Silk Roads,” which showcased the ancient trade routes that connected China to Africa, with Uzbekistan at its center. The exhibition featured 14 pieces from Uzbekistan’s archives, shedding light on the historical significance of cities like Samarkand and Bukhara as meeting points for merchants from around the world.
Following the success of the exhibition, Umerova was back in Tashkent for the World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) 2024, which brought together thousands of individuals from different countries to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the global creative economy. The conference featured panel discussions, workshops, and a new opera production showcasing local talent.
Looking ahead, Umerova is focused on upcoming projects like the Bukhara Biennial and the opening of the Centre for Contemporary Art in Tashkent. These initiatives aim to preserve Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage and position the country as a key player in the creative economy on a global scale.
Umerova’s passion for the arts stems from her childhood, where she was surrounded by artistic influences from a young age. Her upbringing, coupled with her education in the U.K., has shaped her vision for the future of Uzbekistan’s cultural landscape. She is determined to create new opportunities for the younger generation, especially in professions that have not traditionally existed in the country.
As a mother of three daughters, Umerova is driven by a personal mission to create a better future for the next generation. She is committed to introducing new professions to young women in Uzbekistan and empowering them to pursue their passions in the arts and creative industries. Through her work and dedication, she hopes to inspire women and girls to see the possibilities available to them and to make a positive impact on society.
Umerova’s efforts are not only about preserving Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage but also about fostering a cultural shift that embraces the arts as a vital part of society. By creating new educational opportunities, job prospects, and cultural institutions, she is laying the foundation for a thriving creative economy that benefits both present and future generations.
With her unwavering commitment and vision, Gayane Umerova is reshaping Uzbekistan’s cultural landscape and paving the way for a brighter, more creative future for the country and its people.
