On October 31, 2023, UNESCO welcomed Bukhara into the Creative Cities Network (UCCN). This was made possible with the assistance of the Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan.
The UCCN was established in 2004 and is updated every two years. It is designed to foster international collaboration amongst cities that are willing to invest in creativity – a powerful tool for sustainable urban growth, social inclusion, and the promotion of culture in the world.
At present, the UCCN consists of 300 cities worldwide, and Bukhara is the latest addition. The Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan applied for Bukhara’s candidacy under the Crafts and Folk Art section, along with a four-year plan for the development of creativity in the city.
Assistant to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Saida Mirziyoyeva expressed her pride in Bukhara’s acceptance to the UCCN, saying, “We are very proud that Bukhara has been added to the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Remarkably, the historical and cultural heritage of this ancient city has received a worthy assessment from the world community. I am also confident that the proposal to hold the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand in 2025 will strengthen the contribution made by Uzbekistan within UNESCO.”
In 2025, Bukhara will host the First Biennale of Contemporary Design and Crafts, which is intended to bring Uzbekistan into the international art community and to enhance its cultural and historical image around the world. This event will create an opportunity for local artisans and artists to share their expertise with their global peers, and will help to unlock the potential of traditional crafts in a contemporary context.
Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of the Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan and the National Commission for UNESCO, commented on the news, saying, “UNESCO’s decision is a new stage in the development of the creative sector in the historical cities of Uzbekistan. Bukhara is a city with an ancient history, where folk art was one of the key factors of urban culture. In accordance with its goals and objectives, the Foundation aims not only to raise awareness of the cultural potential of Uzbekistan abroad, but also to expand and develop the national cultural and creative environment. This news is of particular importance for Uzbekistan before the 4th World Conference on Creative Economy in October 2024 in Tashkent.”