On the 18th of May 2010 the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan implemented an art project authored by Ali Turov under the title «Masterpieces of World Art in Tashkent», with an objective to effectively introduce greater number of country residents to cultural life and create a harmonious environment in the booming metropolis, in which every person could have an opportunity of exposure to the national and global art.
The Square in front of the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre named after Alisher Navoi was filled with 100 painting banners showing the masterpieces from the world’s best museums: Le Louvre and the Hermitage, the Uffizi Gallery and the Metropolitan Museum; from the Russian Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery; from the museums of Berlin, Washington, London, Madrid, the museum collections of Uzbekistan and many other world art treasuries.
Visual Art is an important part of progressive dynamic processes of social development, along with other material and spiritual factors, without which the creation of a humane, progressive society would be impossible. Therefore, the conservation of historical and cultural heritage has become a priority in the cultural policy of independent Uzbekistan.
Daily contact with the masterpieces of world’s art should become an integral part of the cultural life of our citizens, contributing to their understanding of art and making the names of the great masters of Oriental and European Renaissance, of classical and contemporary art familiar to them.
The project, launched this year in Tashkent, will eventually expand its boundaries and be continued in other cities and districts of the republic.
On the same day, May 18, at 18 hours 18 minutes the honorary diplomas instituted by the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Uzbekistan, the Forum of Culture and Arts Foundation, UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan, and the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan were awarded to the 18 organizations and representatives of culture and art who have made the most valuable contribution to the conservation of the rich spiritual heritage of Uzbek people:
1. JICA, Japan International Cooperation Agency, for promoting museum work in Uzbekistan and sponsor activities.
2. Dr. Noguchi Mitsunari, Director of the Tokyo Fuji Museum, for the contribution to the development of museum work.
3. Gabdrahimov Rivkat (posthumously), for his faithful service to museums of Uzbekistan.
4. Chebotaryova Olga Yurievna, Director of the House Museum of Sergei Yesenin, for her great contribution to the development of the literary museum.
5. Bobonazarova Marinika Maratovna, Director of the State Art Museum of Karakalpakstan, for the conservation and popularization of a unique museum collection.
6. Kenjaev Furkat, restorer of the Bukhara State Historical and Architectural Sanctuary Museum, for the contribution to the conservation and popularization of historical and cultural heritage.
7. Madeleine Le Clerc, Head of the musical instruments department of the Paris Museum of Ethnography and the Museums Department, for the conservation and popularization of the museum collection.
8. The Embassy of the United States of America in Uzbekistan, for assistance in the conservation of national cultural heritage of Uzbekistan through the U.S. Ambassador Grant Programme.
9. Kodzaeva Ludmila Hoji-Murzaevna, Deputy Director General for research and exhibition work of the Art Exhibitions Directorate of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, for her contribution to the conservation and popularization of the national cultural heritage.
10. Ganiev Jamshid Tulyaganovich — for patronage of art and assistance in the development of museum work in Uzbekistan.
11. Aripova Madina, artist, author of «Madonna, Angels, Beauties» and other projects, for the conservation and popularization of historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan.
12. Reier Uwe, Head of «Vitrinen und Glasbau REIER» GmbH (Hamburg, Germany), for designing and providing modern museum equipment for Uzbekistan’s museums. 13. Mansurov Ravshan, Head of Main Research and Operations Department for the conservation and restoration of cultural monuments, for his contribution to the conservation and restoration of historical and cultural sites in Uzbekistan.
14. Tolipova Nargiza, Director of the Decorative and Applied Arts Museum of Uzbekistan, for her contribution to the conservation and popularization of folk arts and crafts of Uzbekistan.
15. Mamadiev Bahodir Bobojonovich, Director of Kashkadarya Province Museum of local lore, for his contribution to the conservation and popularization of historical and cultural heritage of Kashkadarya region.
16. Kayumov Rayim, Director of the Samarqand State Historical and Architectural Museum-Sanctuary, for the conservation of historical and cultural heritage and contribution to the development of museum work in Uzbekistan.
17. Botirov Bahtiyor Zokirovich, restorer of the State Art Museum of Uzbekistan, for his contribution to the conservation of museum collections in Uzbekistan.
18. Ishmatov Bahodir, designer of «Media-Art Press», for assistance in the preparation of publications and promotion of cultural and historical heritage of Uzbekistan.