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Main | The research team of Project AP26198511, “The Integration Potential of the Creative Industries of the Central Asian Region: Development of an Assessment Methodology and Implementation Mechanisms” conducted a research visit to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as part of a scientific mission

The research team of Project AP26198511, “The Integration Potential of the Creative Industries of the Central Asian Region: Development of an Assessment Methodology and Implementation Mechanisms” conducted a research visit to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as part of a scientific mission

From 25 to 30 November 2025, the research team from Turan University carried out a scientific visit to the city of Bishkek within the framework of Project AP26198511. The purpose of the trip was to collect primary data on the current state of the creative industries in Kyrgyzstan, analyze public policy, infrastructure, and educational practices in this sector, and establish partnership contacts for future joint research and projects between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

 

 

During the visit, a series of meetings was held with representatives of government bodies, academic and educational institutions, as well as creative businesses (including artisans, professionals from the film industry, music, design, and production centers):

 

  • A guided tour of ololoPlanet, the largest creative hub in Kyrgyzstan, which made it possible to examine its organizational structure, resident composition, event formats, the needs of creative professionals, and support mechanisms implemented through educational and acceleration programs.
  • A visit to the Creative Industries Park (CIP) and the Association of Creative Industries of Kyrgyzstan (ACI). Working meetings were held with the management and representatives of CIP and ACI, including Kanyshai Mamytova, Director of CIP; Nazgul Kubakaeva, Executive Director of ACI; Daniyar Amanaliev, Co-founder and Business Conductor of Ololo Group and one of the initiators of the Creative Industries Park of Kyrgyzstan; and Asel Umarova, Director of Development at etnomedia.tv and Chair of the Supervisory Board of ACI. The discussions provided materials on the role of the Park and the Association, existing legislation, programs, and clusters, as well as opportunities for interstate cooperation in the region. The representatives shared their experience in shaping public policy and mechanisms of institutional and legal support for the creative sector.
  • A meeting with Talantbek Tolobekov, Director of the Department of Cinematography under the Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, to discuss the state of the film industry in Kyrgyzstan, mechanisms of state support, and opportunities for cooperation with Kazakhstan’s film sector, including joint projects, exchange of experience, and educational initiatives.
  • The research team visited the Technopark IT hub and held a meeting with Aidai Ismailova, Managing Director, which enabled an analysis of the hub’s organizational model, resident structure, key areas of operation, digital market needs, and opportunities for cooperation between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
  • A meeting with Elnura Kazakbaeva, Head of the research company Evidence Central Asia, which provided insights into the methodology and key findings of the study “Who Drives the Creative Industries of Kyrgyzstan”. The discussion focused on the sector’s structure, key stakeholders and drivers of development, methods of sector analysis and mapping and the practical application of research data for public policy, education, and further academic research.
  • A visit to Compass College, the first college of arts and design professions in Kyrgyzstan, including a tour of the campus, an overview of educational programs, innovative educational models, and opportunities for academic cooperation. The group met with Andrew Wachtel, Director of the College; Aigerim Bokoeva, Deputy Director for Academic Affairs; and Gaukhar Tuleeva, Executive Director. The group also participated in the cultural and networking event “Friendsgiving,” which made it possible to analyze practices of intercultural dialogue and the formation of social ties within the creative environment.
  • Participation in CreaPark 2025, a key platform for the regional creative community, featuring a creative products competition, an interregional conference, and a festival zone. The event facilitated experience exchange, discussions on industry transformation, and support for creative entrepreneurs.
  • A visit to the National Historical Museum of Kyrgyzstan, where the research team examined exhibitions reflecting the history, culture, and traditions of the Kyrgyz people, as well as contemporary approaches to museum modernization, educational programming, and the integration of digital technologies to enhance audience engagement and assess the influence of cultural heritage on the development of creative industries.

 

The scientific visit to Bishkek made a substantial contribution to the implementation of Project AP26198511. Meetings with representatives of government and public institutions, educational organizations, analytical centers, and creative businesses enabled an in-depth examination of support mechanisms and self-regulation practices within the creative sector, identification of promising areas for interstate and inter-institutional cooperation, and documentation of the role of education, cultural events, and informal communication platforms in the development of sustainable creative networks. The observations and empirical data collected during the visit will be used to develop a methodology for assessing the integration potential of creative industries and to formulate practical recommendations for their development in Central Asia.
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