Davra Collective's Field-Building in Central Asia

In a podcast from March 2026, artist Zumrad Mirzalieva spoke with Sven Spieker regarding her involvement with the Davra research collective. Established in 2021 by Saodat Ismailova, Davra serves as an independent platform dedicated to artistic research, public programming, publishing, and commissioning, with a focus on Central Asia. The collective aims to tackle the absence of enduring artist-led frameworks in the region that support indigenous knowledge and critical dialogue. Notable works include the publication 'Chilltan: Shapeshifting Eternal Spirits from Central Asia,' the essay films 'Tashkent 58-88' (directed by Mirzalieva) and 'Whose Voice Is It?' (directed by Dana Iskakova), and screenings at venues like Eye Filmmuseum Amsterdam and Centre Pompidou. Their installation 'Taming Waters and Women of Soviet Central Asia' debuted at the 2024 Biennale Matter of Art in Prague, later moving to Lahore and being acquired by Muzeum Sztuki in Łódź. Currently, Davra focuses on building infrastructure through educational programs such as research labs and workshops along the Syr Daria river, aiming to enhance contemporary art discourse in Central Asia.