Commissioner of the Bukhara Biennial, 


Head of the Department of Creative Economy and Tourism of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 

Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF).

Bukhara has always stirred the human imagination – a crossroads of culture, knowledge, and craftsmanship for over two millennia. Hosting Uzbekistan’s first international art biennial here is not about looking back, but looking forward. This ancient city, with its living traditions and vibrant communities, is once again stepping onto the global cultural stage.

The Bukhara Biennial reflects a wider national vision: to revitalise heritage not as a static memory, but as a foundation for creative futures. At the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), we have worked with global experts – from UNESCO to Wilmotte & Associés – to turn historic sites into spaces for contemporary creation and public engagement.

Curated by Diana Campbell, Recipes for Broken Hearts brings together global and regional artists alongside Uzbekistan’s master artisans. Remarkably, every work was produced here, in Uzbekistan – a tribute to the enduring power of local craft and collaboration.

Our newly created Cultural District spans restored landmarks like Magoki Attori Mosque and centuries-old caravanserais, reimagined by architect Wael Al Awar as inclusive, sustainable venues. Since its establishment in 2017, the ACDF has been dedicated to amplifying Uzbekistan’s cultural voice on the global stage – from Venice and Paris to London, Milan, Beijing, and beyond. Now with Bukhara Biennial, this is just one step in a national cultural renaissance led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and supported by Saida Mirziyoyeva – from Tashkent’s Centre for Contemporary Arts, Aral Culture Summit to the upcoming National Museum of Uzbekistan conceived by Tadao Ando.

The Bukhara Biennial is a milestone on this journey – a space where young people can see themselves reflected, where local meets global, and where heritage inspires the future. We are especially proud to host On Weaving, the AlMusalla Prize-winning installation by EAST Architecture Studio, AKT II, and Rayyane Tabet – a beautiful reflection on memory, architecture, and Islamic heritage.

The Bukhara Biennial is a platform for young voices, heritage, and innovation to meet. It is where stories are shared, futures imagined, and creativity celebrated. 

This is only the beginning. To everyone who joined us – thank you. You are now part of Bukhara’s evolving story. 

Gayane Umerova is dedicated to developing the culture sector in Uzbekistan. She is at the helm of building Uzbekistan’s cultural infrastructure. Her efforts are bringing the nation’s art, artists, and cultural heritage into the global spotlight. Currently, she is overseeing the restoration and development of the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Tashkent, poised to become a new cultural hub for the region, and is the commissioner of the Bukhara Biennial. 

She has spearheaded the inaugural Aral Culture Summit (April 2025); is driving the construction of the new Uzbekistan National Museum designed by Tadao Ando and is leading the forthcoming 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference that will take place in Samarkand on 30 October - 13 November 2025. She is the commissioner for the Uzbekistan Pavilion at the Venice Biennale Arte and Architettura since 2021 as well as the Uzbekistan Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai among other significant projects.

Committed to boosting Uzbekistan’s prominence on the international culture scene, Umerova serves as the Chairperson of the National Commission of Uzbekistan on UNESCO Affairs under the Cabinet of Ministers and in April 2025 has been awarded France’s Order of Arts and Literature. Her public service commitment is evident in her dedication to creating opportunities for young people in Uzbekistan’s cultural sector and fostering a cultural economy that unites communities and generations.