Salaries of culture and art workers will be increased starting in 2025

Beginning in 2025, the salaries of employees working in the fields of culture, art, libraries, and museums will be increased. This was announced during a presentation of proposals for the development of the culture and art sector, which President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed on November 22. The presentation focused on enhancing the role of theaters in society and further supporting their activities.

As part of the plans for 2025-2030, it is proposed that 32 new theater performances be created, focused on the themes of "National Hero" and "For the Value of Man." Proposals also aim to foster creative cooperation in the development of stage works, as well as promote the growth of dramaturgy and directing. Among these initiatives are plans to establish awards named after Mahmudkhuja Behbudi for theater playwrights and Bakhodir Yuldashev for young directors, launch the “Nigoh” creative project, and organize a composers’ competition for national academic music.

Particular attention was given to strengthening the integration of culture and art with education. This includes expanding practical training opportunities for students in theaters and commissioning research in the theater field. Master schools for theater actors, directors, critics, and art historians will be established, alongside the formation of a club for theater critics and playwrights. Additionally, every year, state orders will be issued to non-state theaters.

Amateur theater groups will be formed in general and higher educational institutions, with competitions organized among them. The program “Theatre is a Place of Learning” will also be implemented, encouraging regular visits to theaters by young people.

Starting in 2025, a national rating system for theater groups in Uzbekistan will be introduced. Regional theater buildings will undergo complete renovation and modernization, incorporating modern technologies. The Uzbek State Musical Theater named after Mukimi will also be granted “academic” status.

Moreover, special attention was given to encouraging industry professionals. From 2025, salaries for employees in the fields of culture, art, libraries, and museums will increase. Financial incentives will be tied to key performance indicators (KPIs), such as providing cultural services to the public, organizing tours—especially in remote areas—creating new works, and discovering talented young artists.

The salaries of the employees of the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan will also be raised, and they will receive increased financial incentives. The orchestra will create new musical works annually under a state order, organize master classes for conductors and orchestra performers, and arrange tours both within Uzbekistan and abroad. Concert performances will also be held for employees of large enterprises and organizations.

In addition, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of advancing cultural and artistic education. He instructed the creation of an integrated system for the early identification, selection, and training of talented young people. The goal is to ensure compatibility between curricula and programs in general secondary, vocational, higher education, and cultural institutions.