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🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan /Culture & Society

Kyrgyzstan Triples Culture Funding, Eyes Tourism Boost from World Nomad Games

From 24.kg · () Russian

Translated from Russian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Kyrgyzstan's culture sector funding has more than tripled in three years, with the state investing in new facilities and equipment.
  • The government is preparing for the World Nomad Games, which are expected to boost tourism and cultural development.
  • Despite increased funding, many cultural institutions, particularly in rural areas, still require significant renovation and upgrades.

Kyrgyzstan is significantly boosting its cultural sector, with funding more than tripling over the past three years. The government is prioritizing not only the construction of new cultural facilities but also the modernization of existing ones. This investment is seen as crucial for the country's future development.

When I came to the ministry, I identified strengthening the material and technical base of cultural institutions as one of my main tasks. It is difficult to talk about the development of the industry without modern infrastructure.

— Mirbek MametaliyevMinister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, Mirbek Mametaliyev, discussing the ministry's priorities.

Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, Mirbek Mametaliyev, highlighted the progress made in strengthening the material and technical base of cultural institutions. This includes purchasing buses for theaters, libraries, and museums, and continuing a program of renovations and new construction across regions. For the upcoming World Nomad Games, mobile grandstands for nearly 10,000 spectators are being procured, enabling large-scale cultural events in diverse locations.

Financially, the ministry's budget has seen a substantial increase, projected to exceed 10 billion soms by 2026, with additional funds from the presidential fund for major projects. However, the needs of the sector remain vast, with many regional cultural centers in poor condition. The president has signaled a shift towards comprehensive renovation of cultural sites after current large-scale school and hospital programs conclude.

If in 2023, about 3 billion soms were allocated to the sector, then in 2025 it will be more than 7 billion, and in 2026, taking into account the salary increase, the budget exceeded 10 billion soms.

— Mirbek MametaliyevMinister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, Mirbek Mametaliyev, detailing the increased budget for the culture sector.

The World Nomad Games, hosted again by Kyrgyzstan this year, will have a dedicated budget of approximately 850 million soms from the ministry, with additional funding expected. The games are viewed as a key driver for tourism development.

Many cultural centers in the regions are in unsatisfactory condition and require major repairs. The President has already indicated the priority: after the completion of large-scale programs for the construction and repair of schools and hospitals, the state will gradually move to the comprehensive renovation of cultural facilities.

— Mirbek MametaliyevMinister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, Mirbek Mametaliyev, on the future plans for cultural infrastructure.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by 24.kg in Russian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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