Bukhara Biennial Inaugural Edition to Launch in September 2025 as Part of Uzbekistan's Cultural Revival
The inaugural Bukhara Biennial is set to take place from September 5 to November 20, 2025, in Uzbekistan, highlighting the city's beautifully restored historical landmarks. Gayane Umerova, who leads the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), has chosen Diana Campbell as the curator for this landmark event. This biennial is not only the first in Uzbekistan but also in Central Asia, with activities happening in various notable sites, including four caravanserais and prominent madrasas. In addition, a Centre for Contemporary Arts will be established in Tashkent. ACDF is also overseeing the Uzbekistan Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, Expo 2025 Osaka, and a new State Museum of Arts, showcasing talents like Oyjon Khayrullaeva and Abdulvahid Bukhoriy Karimov.
Key facts
- The inaugural Bukhara Biennial runs from 5 September to 20 November 2025.
- Gayane Umerova is Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation and commissioner of the biennial.
- Diana Campbell has been commissioned as curator for the first edition.
- This is the first biennial in Uzbekistan and Central Asia.
- The event will activate newly restored historic buildings including four caravanserais and several madrasas.
- A city-wide masterplan for Bukhara is prepared with Wilmotte & Associés and Deloitte.
- The new Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Tashkent launches concurrently in September 2025.
- ACDF also commissions the Uzbekistan Pavilion at the Venice Biennale and participates in Expo 2025 Osaka.
Entities
Artists
- Gayane Umerova
- Oyjon Khayrullaeva
- Diana Campbell
- Abdulvahid Bukhoriy Karimov
- Nada Debs
- Akbar Rakhimov
- Alisher Rakhimov
- Shokhrukh Rakhimov
- Zilola Saidova
- Hassan Kurbanbaev
- Tadao Ando
- Aaron Cezar
- Amin Jaffer
- Himali Singh Soin
- David Soin Tappeser
- Erika Verzutti
- Shonazar Jumaev
- Yunus Farmonov
- Suchi Reddy
- Daniel Kahneman
- Nicolas Bourriaud
- Wael Al Awar
- Laila Gohar
- Wael Shawky
- Subodh Gupta
- Bekhbaatar Enkhtur
- Delcy Morelos
- Marina Simão
- Antony Gormley
- Ibn Sina
Institutions
- Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF)
- Bukhara Biennial
- UNESCO
- Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) Tashkent
- State Museum of Arts
- Venice Biennale Arte and Architettura
- Expo 2025 Osaka
- Wilmotte & Associés
- Deloitte
- State Children's Library
- Navoi Theatre
- Paris Photo–Aperture PhotoBook Awards
- Canvas
- Uzbekistan Arts and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF)
- Homo Faber
- Johns Hopkins University
- Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation
- Dhaka Art Summit
- UAE National Pavilion
- Venice Architecture Biennale
Locations
- Bukhara
- Uzbekistan
- Tashkent
- Central Asia
- Venice
- Italy
- Osaka
- Japan
- Paris
- France
- Bangladesh
- Fergana Valley
- India
- Philippines
- Aral Sea
- Fayzulla Khodjaev House-Museum
- Miri-Arab Madrasah
- Magoki Attori Mosque
- Kalyan Minaret
- Olimjon Caravanserai
- Asia
- Africa
- Latin America