AKIpress held a meeting with the Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, Mirbek Mambetaliev, to discuss key events and projects of the year in the cultural sphere of Kyrgyzstan.
During the conversation, the minister highlighted several significant achievements of 2025, including substantial financial investments, large-scale renovations of theaters, and the creation of new musicals. He also discussed issues of cultural diplomacy, the organization of Culture Days abroad, and outlined future plans, such as preparations for the World Nomad Games and the SCO Summit. An important point was the preservation of cultural heritage and the increase in salaries for cultural workers.
“We strive to draw attention to culture, create engaging projects, and expand the repertoire,” the minister emphasized.
According to Mambetaliev, state support for culture in 2025 has noticeably increased. Major cultural events are expected in the future both in Kyrgyzstan and abroad, opening new opportunities for international recognition of the country's cultural heritage.
In an interview, the minister answered questions about key projects that were implemented this year:
- Thank you for taking the time to meet with us. Let's summarize the year in the field of culture. Which projects do you consider to be key in 2025?
- The year has been quite productive, and the state allocated significant funds for cultural needs, including major renovations of theaters and the purchase of stage equipment. We also acquired LED screens and diesel generators to ensure uninterrupted operation in case of power outages.
This year, we purchased 72 vehicles, including 15 large buses and over 50 minibuses, which have been distributed among theaters and can be used for tours. Previously, theater institutions could not travel to the regions, but now, for example, the Issyk-Kul Theater named after Jantoshiev is actively touring the Naryn region.
At the Toktogul Satylganov National Philharmonic, we staged several major musicals, such as "Raymaly and Begimai" and "Jamilya." The first one was a great success; we performed it 15 times in Bishkek, and all performances were sold out. This musical was also successfully presented in Moscow.
The main task of the Ministry of Culture is to attract audiences back to theaters. Until 2022, funding was limited, but starting in 2024, the budget for culture has significantly increased: from 2 billion soms in 2022-2023 to over 7 billion soms in 2025. Next year, we plan to maintain the budget at the level of 7 billion soms.
Additionally, the musical "Jamilya" was also presented in Almaty with great success. We continue to work on new musicals, such as "Suymonkul," with the support of the ministry.
An important step forward is the increase in salaries for cultural workers. The president announced a 50% increase for all budget employees, including cultural workers, starting in April.
We also initiated an increase in the share of funds allocated from special funds of theatrical and entertainment institutions for employee bonuses, from 30% to 70%.
- How is the preservation of cultural heritage progressing? What measures have been taken to restore historical sites?
- In Kyrgyzstan, the program "Kooно тарых сырлары" is in effect, which this year received about 50 million soms, and next year this amount is planned to be increased to 70 million. These funds are directed towards the restoration and preservation of cultural heritage sites. This year, we began the reconstruction of the Tash-Rabat caravanserai and conducted archaeological excavations in the Red River and Kum-Dobo.
However, unfortunately, there is a lack of specialists in restoration and archaeology in the country, which complicates the implementation of many projects. Next year, we plan to attract experts from neighboring countries such as Uzbekistan and Russia.
- How many cultural heritage sites are listed? How are decisions made regarding the inclusion or exclusion of sites?
- This is done in accordance with the law "On the Protection and Use of Historical and Cultural Heritage." More than 500 sites are included in the republican list. Some of them may be excluded due to urban development and the need for construction.
For example, the "Issyk-Kul" hotel was excluded as it did not represent cultural value. This year, we also demolished the VDNH, which had fallen into disrepair, and a new concert hall is being built in its place.
- What are the criteria for excluding sites from the list of cultural monuments?
- An example can be our Kurunkeeva College, the building of which was constructed in the 1950s and has become dilapidated. We made the decision to demolish it in order to build a new modern building with appropriate conditions for education.
- How does the Ministry of Culture see Kyrgyzstan's role on the international cultural stage in the future?
- This year, we held Culture Days of Kyrgyzstan in Tajikistan, which contributed to the promotion of our culture abroad. Next year, we expect many events, including the World Nomad Games and the SCO Summit. Many countries want to hold Culture Days, but due to a busy schedule, we have postponed some of them to 2027.
We also plan to participate in a theater festival in France and a Biennale in Italy, as interest in our culture abroad is increasing.
This year, together with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Korea, we staged the play "Semetey," which sparked some controversy but nevertheless drew attention to Kyrgyz art.
- How is the preparation for the SCO Summit and the World Nomad Games going?
- The opening of the Nomad Games will take place in Bishkek at the new stadium. The president is actively overseeing the preparations for this event. We meet every two weeks to discuss the details. The opening of the Games will coincide with the SCO Summit and Kyrgyzstan's Independence Day.
About twenty heads of state are expected at the summit, and we must showcase our culture. The Ministry of Culture plans to allocate over 500 million soms for the organization of the Games, which will traditionally take place at Issyk-Kul.
- What infrastructure projects is the Ministry of Culture implementing this year and in the future?
- This year, we completed major renovations of several theaters, including the Young Spectator Theater and the Russian Theater named after Chyngyz Aitmatov. Work is also planned in other theaters, such as the Kyrgyz Drama Theater, where stage equipment will be updated.
A new theater is planned to be built in Karakol, and a new cultural center in the village of Belovodskoye.
- How does the Ministry cope with budget constraints, and what measures are being taken for sustainable funding of projects?
- In 2025, it was planned to allocate more than 6 billion soms, but thanks to government support, we received over 7 billion. These funds are used for repairs and the purchase of equipment for theaters.
Additionally, we have started using our own stage equipment, which allows us to save on rentals.
- What is the situation in the film industry of Kyrgyzstan?
- Cinema in Kyrgyzstan is actively developing, and we plan to improve infrastructure, including the construction of a film studio and a Dolby Atmos recording studio.
We also intend to reform legislation in the field of cinema to simplify work in this area.
- How is the Ministry adapting to the digital age, and what role does artificial intelligence play?
- Artificial intelligence can assist in music and film recording, but human talent remains irreplaceable. We are developing a unified ticketing system for theaters, museums, and libraries, which will simplify access to cultural events.
- What is your opinion on the potential for earning in the cultural sector?
- I believe that culture can and should make money. It is necessary to create attractive projects that will interest audiences.
- How does the Ministry of Culture operate in the field of information?
- We are developing a law on bloggers to define their role and responsibility in disseminating information.
- What are the prospects for cultural diplomacy in Central Asia?
- We actively cooperate with neighboring countries, conducting joint cultural events during state visits, which helps strengthen ties and exchange cultural experiences.
- How are funds allocated for cultural events during meetings of heads of state?
- Significant funds are allocated for cultural events; for example, about 30 million soms were allocated for the last summit.
- How does Kyrgyz culture differ from that of other countries?
- The main element of our culture is the epic "Manas," which has no analogs in the world and serves as an indicator of our cultural identity.
- What is your personal connection to culture?
- Culture for me is a part of my childhood; it is the traditions I inherited from my family.
- Are there any cultural initiatives you are proud of?
- I am proud to work on the development of cultural infrastructure in our country.
- How do you relax?
- I try to spend time in nature, ride horses, and reflect on the future of our country.
