Uzbekistan's New Contemporary Art Center to Open in 2026
The Uzbekistan Center for Contemporary Art (CCA) is set to open in Tashkent in March 2026. Housed in the city's first diesel power station, built in 1912, the CCA has been transformed into a versatile venue by French architects Studio KO. The CCA aims to generate art and culture, much like the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Saudi Arabia.
Sara Raza, a London-born, New York-based curator, will lead the CCA as its artistic director and chief curator. Raza has been exploring the post-Soviet space, particularly Central Asia, Caucasus, and the Middle East, for the last 20 years. She has been supported in her efforts by Gayane Umerova, chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation.
The CCA's inaugural exhibition, 'Hikmah', will feature Saudi multidisciplinary artist and curator Muhannad Shono. Shono was an artist-in-residence at the CCA in May 2023, and his work during this period will be showcased. In spring 2026, another Saudi artist, Manal AlDowayan, will be displayed in a multidisciplinary exhibition at the CCA.
The CCA will launch two major annual initiatives: the Navruz Gala and the Tashkent Public Art Festival, along with two landmark exhibitions. Its programming also includes Clubistan, a youth-led program for 16-21-year-olds, and CCA Radio, a bi-weekly show featuring DJ sets, instrumental performances, and hybrid formats.
The CCA's shift from generating mechanical power to generating art and culture is set to activate the land in a new way. With its diverse programming and commitment to showcasing international talent, the CCA promises to be a significant cultural hub when it opens in Tashkent in 2026.
