Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation

What Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation does

The Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) is a non-profit state foundation operating under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and led by Chairperson Gayane Umerova. Headquartered in Tashkent with 51–100 employees, it acts as the country's primary instrument for international cultural promotion, museum modernization, and creative-economy development. Its mandate spans fine arts, architecture, literature, theatre, music, and dance, with service populations that include state museums, cultural professionals, people with disabilities, and international cultural organizations.

ACDF's operating surface is diversified across six program areas: (1) education, including competitive scholarship programs for Uzbek universities and full master's-degree scholarships abroad; (2) museum renovation — a multi-year program covering the State Museum of Arts, State Museum of Applied Arts, the Aybek House Museum, and the I.V. Savitsky State Museum of Art, featuring an internal electronic cataloguing system built with Swiss firm ZetCom, an online gallery platform, audio guides, and augmented-reality exhibits (the latter in partnership with the Reacomp Institute for accessibility); (3) major architecture projects led by Pritzker laureate Tadao Ando and Ludi Architects Bureau; (4) international exhibitions, including national pavilions at the Venice Biennale and Expo 2025 Osaka, plus shows at the Louvre, British Museum, Hermitage, Neues Museum, and the Arab World Institute; (5) flagship events such as the Samarkand Half Marathon, ZAAMIN ULTRA ultramarathon, Sky Camp Bostanliq, Bukhara Biennial, and Aral Culture Summit; and (6) cultural patronage and creative-economy policy development, for which ACDF drafted Uzbekistan's patronage, target-capital, and Board of Trustees legislation.

The Foundation does not sell commercial products and does not publicly disclose pricing. Its revenue model is government appropriation supplemented by international partnerships, sponsorship through the patronage framework it created, and event-related income. Distribution is direct-to-institution (government museums, world-class museums, expos) and direct-to-audience through events. The Foundation is not investable in the conventional PE/VC sense — it is a state policy vehicle — but represents Uzbekistan's primary platform for cultural-sector investment, diplomacy, and infrastructure renewal through 2030.

Name

Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation

Legal name

Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation

Website

https://acdf.uz

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) is a state foundation under the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan that promotes Uzbek arts and culture internationally, renovates national museums, organizes world-class exhibitions and biennials, and develops cultural-patronage policy and creative-economy programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cultural Services

NAICS

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Arts, Culture & Humanities Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cultural Festivals & Events Organizations (BPAGAHAG), Cultural Heritage Institutions (Archives, Historic Houses, Monuments Foundations) (THAJADAI), Cultural Centers & Multidisciplinary Arts Institutions (THAJADAJ), Pavilion & Country/Group Exhibit Build-Outs (THAHAHAD), International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH), Arts, Culture, Heritage & Tourism Congresses (THAHAJAN)

Keywords

• Cultural heritage preservation
• Museum modernization programs
• International cultural exhibitions
• Arts scholarship programs
• Cultural event organization

Headquarters

HQ city

Tashkent

HQ country

Uzbekistan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: Foundation operates under the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan and Ministry of Culture, receiving government support for cultural programs, museum renovations, and international exhibition projects.
2. Cultural Patronage Development: Initiated and authored legislation creating legal basis for patronage and non-governmental financial support of culture, including laws on patronage, target capital of non-profit organizations, and Board of Trustees regulations.
3. Event Revenue: Revenue generated from organizing international charity races, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural festivals including Samarkand Marathon, international jazz festival, and performances.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Foundation promotes Uzbekistan's culture internationally and modernizes its domestic cultural infrastructure. It organizes national pavilions at world expos and biennales, renovates and digitizes state museums, runs scholarship and inclusivity programs, and develops cultural patronage legislation. Core activities span international exhibitions, museum reconstruction, education and professional training, and large-scale cultural and sports events.

Product overview

The Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) is a cultural organization, not a technology product company. It operates as a foundation under the President of Uzbekistan, implementing programs and projects across multiple domains: (1) Education programs including scholarships for Uzbek and foreign universities; (2) Cultural preservation through museum renovations and architecture projects (State Museum of Art reconstruction with Tadao Ando, CCA Tashkent, Prince Romanov Residence, State Children's Library); (3) International exhibitions including Venice Biennale National Pavilion, Louvre Museum, Arab World Institute, and Berlin exhibitions; (4) Cultural events including Samarkand Half Marathon, ZAAMIN ULTRA, Sky Camp Bostanliq, Tashkent Music Encounters, Bukhara Biennial, and Aral Culture Summit; (5) Inclusivity programs for people with disabilities; (6) Cultural patronage development. The foundation does not offer technology products, APIs, or AI-powered services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Scholarship Program for Uzbek Universities Competitive scholarship program for students at universities in Uzbekistan covering management in culture and art, restoration, architecture, cultural tourism, graphic design, fine art, and museology.
• Foreign University Scholarship Program Scholarship program for master's degree studies at foreign universities covering tuition, accommodation, flights, and medical insurance for students in art-related fields.
• Inclusivity Program Program promoting accessibility of cultural institutions for people with disabilities, including audio description technology, tactile exhibitions, and training for cultural institution specialists.
• Museum Renovation Program Comprehensive renovation of four major museums including internal cataloguing systems, online galleries, audio guides, and augmented reality technology implementation.
• Event Organization Services Organization and support of events in fine arts, literature, theater, music, architecture, and choreography, including international cultural exchanges and promotion of Uzbekistan's culture globally.
• State Museum of Art Reconstruction Major reconstruction of the State Museum of Art in Tashkent led by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando, doubling the museum's area to 20,000 square meters with 7,000 square meters of exhibition space.
• CCA Tashkent (Center for Contemporary Art) Conversion of a historic 1912 diesel power plant building into a Center for Contemporary Art, preserving its role in Tashkent's electrification history.
• Prince Romanov Residence Renovation Renovation of the 1881 residence of Grand Duke Nikolai Romanov to create a branch of the State Museum of Art, recreating the original palace interior using archival photographs.
• State Children's Library Reconstruction Reconstruction of the State Children's Library building (built 1909) by Ludi Architects Bureau, housing over 200,000 children's books.
• National Pavilion at Venice Biennale Uzbekistan's first National Pavilion at the 59th International Art Exhibition (Dixit Algorizmi - The Garden of Knowledge), curated by Joseph Grima, exploring Muhammad al-Khwarizmi's legacy.
• Louvre Museum Exhibition First Uzbekistan exhibition at the Louvre Museum in Paris (November 2022 - March 2023), showcasing 170 exhibits from Uzbek museums.
• Arab World Institute Exhibition First exhibition of Uzbekistan applied art 'The Roads to Samarkand: Wonders of Silk and Gold' at the Arab World Institute in Paris.
• Berlin Exhibitions (Neues Museum) Archaeological treasures exhibition 'From Alexander the Great to the Kushan Empire' at Neues Museum in Berlin, featuring 283 objects from 9 Uzbek museums.
• Samarkand Half Marathon First international charity race in Uzbekistan's history, organized in 2019 to promote inclusion and accessibility of cultural objects for people with disabilities.
• Bukhara Biennial Inaugural Bukhara Biennial 'Recipes for Broken Hearts' (September 5 - November 20, 2025), curated by Diana Campbell, featuring contemporary art, crafts, cuisine, and live performances.
• Aral Culture Summit Initiative aimed at transforming the Aral Sea region through art, culture, design, and science with focus on social and ecological change.
• ZAAMIN ULTRA First ultramarathon and unique sports-music festival in Uzbekistan, featuring a 50km mountain ultramarathon at 2,200 meters elevation.
• Sky Camp Bostanliq First open-air sports and music festival in Uzbekistan, part of the Samarkand Marathon charity series, featuring mountain peak runs, cycling, trail running, and yoga.
• Tashkent Music Encounters Project bringing together musicians from Central Asia and beyond, featuring traditional to experimental musical compositions.
• National Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 Uzbekistan National Pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka featuring 'Garden of Knowledge' project aligned with three SDGs: quality education, clean energy, and industrialization.
• Development of Cultural Patronage Program promoting cultural sponsorship development in Uzbekistan, studying patronage practices worldwide and identifying key challenges.
• Naqsh School of Crafts School of traditional crafts in Tashkent partnering with The King's Foundation School of Traditional Arts (founded by King Charles III), located in the new Center of Islamic Civilization.
• Samarkand Express Luxury Train Luxury train project connecting Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva along historic Great Silk Road routes, in partnership with Arsenale International and Uzbekistan Railways JSC.

Quantifiable outcome

• Gold prize in 'Best Theme Development' category at Expo 2025 Osaka
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• Arsenale InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 June 2026Trilateral framework agreement signed for Samarkand Express luxury train project, designed to connect Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva along historic Great Silk Road routes for tourism promotion in Central Asia.
• Uzbekistan Railways JSCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 June 2026Trilateral partnership for Samarkand Express luxury train project along historic Great Silk Road routes.
• The King's Foundation School of Traditional ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 March 2026Partnership with school founded by King Charles III for Naqsh Crafts School in Tashkent's new Center of Islamic Civilization. Aiming to become leading center for traditional arts training in Central Asia with full two-year program.
• Smithsonian InstitutionflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 March 2026Meeting between Gayane Umerova and Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III to expand bilateral cooperation in cultural and archaeological initiatives. Collaboration on exhibition initiatives, contemporary art, scientific research, archaeological programs, and academic exchanges.
• US Library of CongresscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 March 2026Delegation visit to discuss potential future collaboration covering digitization initiatives and joint research projects. Tour of Uzbekistan-related collections including rare manuscripts and archival materials.
• UNESCOflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025Global dialogue on AI and Future of Museums hosted at UNESCO General Conference in partnership with the Foundation. Explored AI applications in heritage preservation and visitor experiences including artifact restoration, collection digitization, and art authentication.
• ZetComcoreTechnology or IntegrationSwiss company partner for internal cataloguing system implementation across four museums, optimizing document flow and organizing museum archives.
• BIE (Bureau International des Expositions)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMeeting between Gayane Umerova and BIE Secretary General Dimitri Kerkentzes in Paris to discuss Expo 2030 Riyadh preparations and review Uzbekistan's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka.
• Louvre MuseumflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMemorandum of Understanding and Cooperation signed in 2018. First Uzbekistan exhibition at the Louvre (November 2022 - March 2023) featuring 170 exhibits from key Uzbek museums.
• British MuseumflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Silk Roads exhibition featuring 14 Uzbekistan artifacts from museum collections.
• State Hermitage MuseumflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerExhibition 'Opening the Palace Chambers: Art at the Court of the Emir of Bukhara' opened at the State Hermitage Museum.
• Fondation BeyelercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiscussion on Bukhara Biennial held at Fondation Beyeler.
• ICCROMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMemorandum of Understanding signed between ICCROM and Uzbekistan Cultural Heritage Agency in Paris.
• ICOMOScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMeeting with ICOMOS Director General during 47th session of World Heritage Committee.
• Ministry of Culture of FranceflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeries of cooperation agreements signed in cultural sphere between Uzbekistan Foundation and French Ministry of Culture.
• United Nations Development Program (UNDP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMemorandum of Understanding signed aimed at supporting sustainable development in Karakalpakstan.
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMeeting between Gayane Umerova and Dr. Mariet Westermann, Director and CEO, to explore potential cultural partnerships.
• Ludi Architects BureaucoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitecture bureau from Russia assigned for reconstruction project of State Children's Library building in Tashkent.
• Tadao AndoflagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerJapanese architect and Pritzker Prize winner leading reconstruction project of State Museum of Art in Tashkent. Total area to double to 20,000 square meters.
• Reacomp InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner institute for educational program training specialists in cultural institutions for audio description technology implementation for people with disabilities.
• Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of UzbekistancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint implementation of National Pavilion project at Expo Osaka 2025.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Direct peers

• British Council: UK's international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities, running global exhibitions, partnerships, and arts programming. Highly comparable as a government-backed cultural diplomacy institution.
• Aga Khan Trust for Culture: Trust focused on historic preservation, cultural revitalization, and development in Muslim societies, including major restoration projects. Directly comparable in museum/heritage restoration, international exhibitions, and cultural development mandate.
• Korea Foundation: Government-affiliated Korean foundation promoting Korean arts and culture globally through exhibitions, scholarships, and international exchange. Closely mirrors ACDF's mandate, scope of programs, and government-backed structure.
• The Japan Foundation: Japanese government-affiliated organization running international cultural exchange, arts programming, and Japanese-language education worldwide. Comparable as a national cultural diplomacy body with exhibition, scholarship, and partnership programs.
• Alliance Française: French government-affiliated network promoting French language and culture worldwide through cultural events and partnerships. Comparable as a state-backed cultural diplomacy and exchange organization.

Broad incumbents

• Qatar Foundation: Large state-backed foundation with broad education, science, and culture portfolio. Overlaps with ACDF on cultural diplomacy, museum partnerships, and government-aligned programming but operates at significantly larger scale.

Others

• Sabancı Foundation: Turkish philanthropic foundation with cultural and arts programming. Comparable as a foundation promoting cultural heritage and international cooperation, though with broader social mandate.

Emerging players

• Prince Claus Fund: Dutch foundation supporting culture and development in regions facing conflict or poverty. Comparable as a grantmaking body funding cultural development and heritage preservation in emerging contexts.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/acdfuz
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/artandculturefdn

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation