On October 3rd, 2024, the Centre for Contemporary Art has officially launched its inaugural Artist Residencies programme. With the appointment of an international selection committee, the CCA will soon announce an open call for artists and curators.

The residencies are located in the historic Tashkent mahallas, Namuna and Khast Imom, where newly restored heritage sites were conceptualised by the renowned French architecture firm, Studio KO. In collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the Foundation restored the mosque and madrasah in Namuna, a project undertaken by local builders, carpenters, and masons, with a strong emphasis on mentorship and the transfer of skills to younger generations of craftsmen. The restored Namuna mosque will now serve as an exhibition space, alongside a new building designed by Studio KO, which will include a café and workshops.

The Artist Residencies aim to foster connections between local and international artists, designers, and researchers, encouraging collaborations with skilled Uzbek artisans. The programme is also dedicated to engaging the Tashkent community, offering opportunities for artistic exploration and a deeper connection to Uzbekistan’s rich cultural history.

The residencies, which will run three times a year for eight weeks each, will welcome both emerging and established artists and curators from around the world, including one Uzbek practitioner in each cohort, to explore, innovate, and engage with their surroundings.