ISSA Uzbekistan / The Largest Sculpture Event in Central Asia

From June 1 to 26, 2026, the 5th “Tashkent 2026” International Sculpture Symposium, also known as the ISSA 

Uzbekistan Station, was held at the Tashkent Metallurgical Plant. It became one of the most important sculpture 

events in Central Asia and served as a vital platform for creative exchange among international masters of sculpture.

The symposium was jointly organized by the Tashkent Metallurgical Plant, the National Committee of the Republic 

of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Climate Change, the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, the Artists’ Union of Uzbekistan, 

and the Tashkent Regional Government. The project aimed to promote international cultural cooperation, 

disseminate environmental awareness through art, and contribute to the development of a contemporary 

artistic environment.

For the first time in the history of international sculpture symposia in Uzbekistan, the Tashkent Metallurgical 

Plant served as the main production site, bringing together artistic creativity, industrial capacity, and environmental

 themes. Participants were provided with modern working conditions, necessary equipment, and technical support, 

as well as the opportunity to create works using natural stone and metal.

The 26-day symposium brought together 18 sculptors from Uzbekistan, as well as from Italy, France, China, Türkiye, 

and Georgia. Ibragimov Valikhodjaev, Chairman of the Artists’ Union of Uzbekistan, provided full support for the 

symposium and personally supervised its preparation and implementation. The project was curated by Nasima 

Djuraeva, Director of the International Department of the Artists’ Union. Batyr Hakimov, a member of the

 Artists’ Union, and Khojiakbar Yuldashev, staff member of the Artists’ Union, provided technical support and 

practical assistance for the implementation of the project.

A total of 18 large-scale artworks were completed through this collaborative creation process, including 14 stone 

sculptures and 4 metal artworks. The use of metal became an important innovation of this symposium, opening up 

a new direction for the development of contemporary large-scale sculpture in Uzbekistan.

The artistic concepts proposed by the participants focused on the relationship between humanity and nature, 

environmental protection, ecological responsibility, the harmonious coexistence of society and the natural 

environment, and the role of art in shaping contemporary ecological awareness and culture.

The symposium featured a rich program, including professional meetings, master classes, creative discussions, 

and exchanges of experience among artists from different countries. As part of the cultural program, participants 

gained an in-depth understanding of Uzbekistan’s rich historical and artistic heritage. They visited Samarkand, 

renowned for its world-famous architectural ensembles, and explored the modern landscape of Tashkent, visiting 

numerous cultural and historical landmarks, including the Center of Islamic Civilization. These activities enabled

 participants to gain a deeper understanding of the long-standing traditions of Uzbek art and its contemporary 

development trends.

The 5th “Tashkent 2026” International Sculpture Symposium fully demonstrated the productive cooperation 

among government institutions, industrial enterprises, and the artistic community. The implementation of the 

project helped strengthen international cultural relations, expand professional dialogue, and enhance Uzbekistan’s 

image as an open country actively participating in large-scale international art events.

The artworks created during the symposium enriched the collection of contemporary large-scale sculpture and

 made an important contribution to the development of public spaces in the Tashkent region. The symposium 

once again confirmed Uzbekistan’s great potential as a center for international artistic exchange and as a hub 

for the development of creative cooperation among countries around the world.

Contributed by: Ibragimov Valikhodjaev, ISSA Uzbekistan Committee Member

Editor-in-Chief: Liu Qin

English Editor: Sun Ya'nan

Legal Advisor: Tao Ran'ting