Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Foundation will be at the Alserkal Art Week to produce a unique interdisciplinary exhibition- ‘Mahalla Unframed’ under the Art Dubai Fair that is running form 8-13 March, 2022 at the Alserkal Avenue Warehouse 46.

Following the positive feedback received by the Foundation for the Uzbekistan’s participation in EXPO 2020 where it presented an extensive cultural programme in November 2021, the country is now seeking new opportunities in the UAE. This event is expected to highlight the cultural potential of Uzbekistan and further integrate the country into the global contemporary art environment. Further, such collaboration will also contribute to strengthening bilateral ties between the UAE and Uzbekistan.

GayaneUmerova, Executive director of the Art and Culture Development Foundation of the Republic of Uzbekistan said, “The UAE and Uzbekistan are both countries with a very rich culture and heritage. We are not just economically connected, our bond dates further back in time to a vibrant history. It is an honor for us to be able to present our culture at the Art Dubai Fair. Through this exhibition, we hope to encourage discussions that will address the challenges encountered in preserving a living heritage and promote the evolution of a fragile ecosystem that provides our society with sustainable ways of living. The Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation is looking forward to initiating and participating in many more such collaborations with the UAE.”

Vilma Jurkute, Executive Director of Alserkal, added:“Alserkal Art Week reinforces the UAE’s position at the forefront of the region’s cultural scene with Alserkal playing an instrumental role through Alserkal Arts Foundation and a community of homegrown art galleries. This year, the line-up brings together some of the most prominent and influential artists today from the region and internationally, through rigorous and experimental exhibitions and programmes that continue to catalyse critical dialogue with our global and local publics.”

In Uzbekistan, a ‘mahalla’ is a traditional neighborhood that encourages community living. It is a place where state and society meet at a local level, making it an institution of power and a cornerstone of social functioning.

The ‘Mahalla Unframed’ exhibition will feature a series of public talks and discussions on maintaining and conserving cultural heritage, the future of museums, the revival of traditional crafts, and practices that encourage the development and preservation of culture.

Visitors will enjoy a culturally immersive experience through a virtual tour that explores the heritage of the Republic of Uzbekistan. One such is the typical Tashkent courtyard house with a background that showcases a life-size abstraction in tubular steel that was first presented during Uzbekistan’s participation at the 17^th International Architecture Exhibition.

The Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation reflects the country’s progressive thinking and creative potential and hopes to utilize the same towards the benefit of humanity.