Uzbekistan's Bold New Hub for Contemporary Art Opens in 2026

Uzbekistan's first Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) will open in March 2026. Housed in a historic Tashkent power station, the venue marks a major step for Central Asia's cultural scene. The institution will launch with exhibitions, festivals, and youth-led programmes designed to engage new audiences.

The CCA will occupy a 1912 diesel power station, repurposed by French architects Studio KO. The building's industrial past now provides a flexible space for modern art and events. Its transformation reflects the centre's aim to blend heritage with contemporary creativity.

Sara Raza, a New York-based curator with two decades of experience in post-Soviet regions, will lead as artistic director. Her focus on Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East aligns with the CCA's mission to highlight underrepresented voices. The first exhibition, Hikmah, will showcase work by Saudi artist Muhannad Shono, who developed the project during a 2023 residency. His pieces draw inspiration from Tashkent's Sun Heliocomplex, visited while he was in residence.

Beyond exhibitions, the CCA plans two annual events: the Navruz Gala and the Tashkent Public Art Festival. Clubistan, a youth programme for 16- to 21-year-olds, and CCA Radio, a bi-weekly broadcast of DJ sets and performances, will also form part of its regular schedule. Gayane Umerova, chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, has backed the centre's long-term vision and its role in fostering local talent.

The CCA's launch in 2026 will introduce a permanent platform for contemporary art in Central Asia. Its mix of exhibitions, festivals, and educational projects aims to connect regional artists with global audiences. The centre's location—a converted power station—symbolises its blend of history and innovation.