In the interview, key achievements and implemented projects in the cultural sphere for 2025 are discussed. The Minister highlighted topics such as the major renovation of theaters, the creation of new musicals, and the increase in funding. Cultural diplomacy, the organization of Culture Days abroad, and plans for upcoming events, including the World Nomad Games and the SCO Summit, were also mentioned. The importance of preserving cultural heritage, raising salaries for cultural workers, and developing infrastructure became central themes of the conversation.
“We strive to draw attention to culture and develop interesting projects, as well as expand the repertoire,” the minister emphasized.
According to him, in 2025, state support for culture significantly increased. Important cultural events are expected both within the country and beyond, indicating the great potential of Kyrgyz culture for international recognition.
Full text of the interview:
- Thank you for taking the time for this interview. We would like to discuss the results of the year in the cultural sphere. Let's start with which projects implemented by your ministry you consider the most significant for 2025?
- First of all, I want to note that the state allocated significant funds for culture, including for the major renovation of theaters and the purchase of stage equipment. This year, we also acquired LED screens and diesel generators to ensure operations in case of power outages.
Additionally, we purchased 72 vehicles — 15 large buses and more than 50 minibuses, which are now used by theaters for tours. Previously, theaters could not travel to the regions, but now, for example, the Issyk-Kul Theater named after Jantoshiev is already touring in the Naryn region.
This year, several musicals were staged based on the Toktogul Satylganov National Philharmonic, including “Raymaly and Begimai” and “Jamilya.” The first musical was staged in Bishkek 15 times, each time filling the halls. We also presented it in Moscow, where it also made a splash. Unfortunately, I could not attend, but the director of the philharmonic and my deputy returned inspired. Our main goal is to bring audiences back to theaters. Until 2022, the allocated funds for salaries were minimal, but starting from 2024, the budget for culture significantly increased: from just over 2 billion soms in 2022-2023 to over 7 billion in 2025. It is also planned to maintain this level of funding for the next year.
The musical “Jamilya” was also successfully presented in Almaty, and we do not intend to stop there. Currently, the philharmonic is working on a new musical “Suymonkul,” in which the famous film actor Suymonkul Chokmorov will play the main role. The ministry allocated additional funds for this project. For the musical “Raymaly and Begimai,” 10 million soms were allocated: 7 million from the budget and 3 million from the philharmonic's funds. The musical has already brought in about 30 million soms, and we will continue to develop the repertoire.
I also want to emphasize that we are working on increasing salaries for cultural workers. Recently, the president announced a 50% salary increase for all budget employees working in the fields of education and culture starting in April.
From our side, we initiated changes that will allow theaters to allocate 70% of their special funds for bonuses for employees, which will undoubtedly increase motivation.
- How are things with cultural objects? There has been much discussion this year about preserving cultural heritage. What has been done to restore historical objects and protect monuments?
- This is an important question. Since last year, the program “Kooono taryh syrlary” has been in effect in Kyrgyzstan, within which about 50 million soms were allocated this year, and the amount will increase to 70 million next year to support, restore, and preserve cultural heritage objects. This year, we started the reconstruction of the Tash-Rabat caravanserai and archaeological excavations in several regions.
Unfortunately, we face a shortage of specialists in restoration and archaeology. We have experienced archaeologists, but there are very few of them. We tried to conduct tenders for restoration work, but they did not take place due to a lack of qualified companies.
Nevertheless, we are negotiating with colleagues from Uzbekistan and Russia to attract specialists next year.
- How many cultural heritage objects are registered in the country? How is the decision made to include or exclude objects from the list of monuments?
- All this happens in accordance with the law “On the Protection and Use of Historical and Cultural Heritage.” There is a list of republican significance, which includes more than 500 objects. Some objects may be excluded from the list as the city and country develop, and new construction is necessary.
For example, the “Issyk-Kul” hotel, once included in the list, has now been demolished, and an administrative building has been built in its place. Also, the VDNH, which fell into disrepair, was demolished, and a concert hall is being built in its place.
- What criteria are used for the exclusion or addition of objects to the list?
- An example can be our Kureneev College. The building, constructed in the 1950s without a foundation, has fallen into disrepair. We made the decision to demolish it, and the president allocated 750 million soms for the construction of a new modern building with a concert hall and all amenities for talented children.
- What role will Kyrgyzstan play on the international cultural stage in the future? What cultural exchange projects are expected next year?
- This year, we successfully held the Culture Days of Kyrgyzstan in Tajikistan during the state visit of our president. These events help promote our culture abroad. Next year, we expect many cultural events, including the World Nomad Games and activities within the framework of Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship in the SCO. We have postponed Culture Days in other countries to 2027, as our schedule is very busy.
In 2026, we plan to participate in a theater festival in France and the Biennale in Italy, as interest in our culture is growing.
This year, for example, we jointly staged the play “Semetey” with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Korea. Although there were critics, it was a perspective of a Korean director, and art always provokes discussions.
- Tell us about the preparations for the SCO Summit and the World Nomad Games. What has been done and what is still planned?
- The opening of the Nomad Games will take place in Bishkek at the new stadium. The president is actively monitoring this process, and we hold meetings almost every two weeks. This event will coincide with the SCO summit and Kyrgyzstan's Independence Day, so it is receiving significant attention.
About twenty heads of state will be invited to the summit. We must showcase our culture. Preparations are in full swing, and we are working with both foreign and our directors to make this event a significant cultural event of 2026. We plan to allocate over 500 million soms for the organization of the Nomad Games, which will traditionally take place in Issyk-Kul.
- What priorities have you identified for the development of cultural infrastructure this year and in the future?
- This year, we completed major renovations of several theaters, such as the Bakken Kydykeeva Young Spectator Theater, which received about 80 million soms. We fully updated the technical equipment. The Chyngyz Aitmatov Russian Theater also underwent major renovations, costing over 300 million soms.
In the Toktobolot Abdumomunov Kyrgyz Drama Theater, 30 million soms were allocated for the replacement of outdated stage equipment. Additionally, the Opera and Ballet Theater received 60 million soms for the upgrade of sound and lighting equipment. We purchased a Steinway piano for 25 million soms, which now stands in the theater.
- Are there other facilities that need major renovations?
- For example, the Issyk-Kul Regional Musical Drama Theater named after Jantoshiev is in a state of disrepair. One of the buildings requires major construction of a new theater. Additionally, a new philharmonic hall will be built in the city of Manas, and a new cultural center is planned in the village of Belovodskoye.
We also plan major renovations in other theaters, such as the theater in the village of Kochkor, where the territory needs to be beautified.
- How does the Ministry of Culture cope with budget constraints and ensure sustainable funding for projects?
- In 2025, it was planned to allocate just over 6 billion soms from the republican budget. However, thanks to the support of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Ministry of Finance, this year more than 7 billion have been allocated. These funds will go towards repairs, equipment, and the purchase of technology.
This year, over 240 million soms have been allocated for stage equipment. We have started using our own equipment, which significantly reduces rental costs that were previously substantial.
- How do you assess the effectiveness of the State Enterprise “Kyrgyz Madaniyat Service” in providing the ministry with equipment and supporting cultural events?
- “Kyrgyz Madaniyat Service” successfully manages equipment, including 15 buses that are now used by all theaters. This allows us to control the quality and availability of equipment for tours.
- How is the film industry in Kyrgyzstan doing?
- Cinema in Kyrgyzstan is actively developing, and almost 70% of distribution certificates are issued to local films. We plan to build a film studio and a Dolby Atmos sound studio, which will allow us to reduce costs for film dubbing, which currently requires trips to Moscow.
We also plan to implement many reforms in the film industry to update outdated legislation.
- How is the Ministry adapting to the digital age and what role does artificial intelligence play?
- Artificial intelligence can significantly help in music and cinema, but talent will always remain important. We are developing digital solutions, including a unified ticketing system for theaters, museums, and cinemas, which will be more convenient for users.
- Is it possible to earn money in the field of culture?
- I am convinced that culture can and should make money. An example can be K-pop or Western countries. We need to create projects that will be in demand.
- What policy does the Ministry pursue in the field of information?
- This year, a media law was adopted, and we are working on a law for bloggers that will define their role and responsibility in society.
- How does the Ministry of Culture see the future of cultural diplomacy in Central Asia?
- We strive to strengthen friendly ties with neighboring countries and hold joint cultural events during state visits. This helps strengthen connections and promote our culture.
- How are cultural events funded during meetings of heads of state?
- Significant funds are allocated for cultural events; for example, about 30 million soms were allocated for the CSTO summit. Cultural events involve a large number of artists and craftsmen.
- What makes Kyrgyz culture unique on the international stage?
- The foundation of our culture is the epic “Manas,” which has no analogs in other countries. This is our cultural wealth and a symbol of identity.
- What role does culture play in your life, Mirbek Kemelovich? Do you have personal hobbies?
- Culture for me is traditions, such as ala kiyiz and shyrdaks, which I made in my childhood. This is part of my identity.
- Are there cultural initiatives that you are proud of?
- The main initiative for me is the development of cultural infrastructure, which is extremely important for society.
- How do you recharge?
- In my free time, I try to relax, go out of town, and be in nature, which helps me find new ideas for work.
