About us

About us

Tamyr Central Asia Art Lab is an independent laboratory and platform supporting a new generation of artists and curators from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The initiative fosters a sustainable professional environment where horizontal networks, cross-border exchange, and experimental approaches form the foundation of the region’s contemporary art scene.

Tamyr views Central Asia as a cohesive cultural space, exploring the differences and intersections of the region’s cultural contexts while simultaneously strengthening regional dialogue. Key initiatives include an annual fellowship program, educational projects, the development of a professional community of regional specialists, and grant support for artistic initiatives.

The mission of Tamyr Art Lab is to strengthen the artistic infrastructure of Central Asia and expand the professional visibility of emerging names. The organization’s work focuses on creating conditions for the long-term professional development of young artists and curators, facilitating their integration into both regional and international contexts. 


Programs

Tamyr Scholarship is an annual support program for young artists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Over the course of four months, participants receive a scholarship, mentorship support, undergo an intensive educational program, and develop new projects. Each cohort is structured as an independent curatorial project around which the entire framework of the program is built. The initiative culminates in a group exhibition and the strengthening of professional networks within the new generation of artists.

Tamyr Art Scene is an initiative aimed at developing a professional community of artists, curators, art managers, and other specialists from Central Asian countries. The platform brings together regional practitioners and builds a sustainable environment for the exchange of expertise, knowledge, and professional connections. Here, Tamyr Art Lab acts not as a centralized organizer but as a moderator of intra-community processes, shaping the program based on its real needs. 

Tamyr Grant Program is a grant program designed to support regional art projects created through collaborations between artists and curators from different Central Asian countries. The program also supports the development of artistic infrastructure and initiatives that strengthen the region’s art scene.


Advisory Board

The Advisory Board is an independent body of Tamyr Art Lab consisting of specialists from Central Asian countries and invited international experts. The board participates in the selection of program participants and the strategic evaluation of initiatives, maintaining a balance of regional approaches, professional expertise, and international context.

Board members are elected for a two-year term, ensuring a regular rotation of the panel, a diversity of approaches, and the sustainability of transparent selection procedures.

Advisory Board members 2026-2027

Yuliya Sorokina

Yuliya Sorokina (Kazakhstan)

PhD, independent curator, lecturer, Associate Professor at the T. Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts

Alima Tokmergenova

Alima Tokmergenova (Kyrgyzstan)

Researcher, curator, research fellow at the G. Aitiev Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts

Umida Akhmedova

Umida Akhmedova (Uzbekistan)

Documentary cinematographer, photographer

Nazira Karimi

Nazira Karimi (Tajikistan)

Artist, filmmaker

Inga Lāce

Inga Lāce (Latvia)

Chief Curator at Almaty Museum of Arts


Team


Join Our Team

Tamyr Central Asia Art Lab is open to collaboration with cultural and art professionals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. While there are currently no open vacancies, you are welcome to submit your CV, and we will certainly reach out should an opportunity arise. We are also ready to consider educational placements and internships for students interested in working with the contemporary art of Central Asia. Please send your CV and a brief motivation letter to info@tamyrart.org with the subject line “Internship at Tamyr Art Lab.”

 

Tamyr Journal is constantly looking for authors of expert materials. Please send your CV and a short portfolio of your published texts to info@tamyrart.org with the subject line “Writer for Tamyr Journal.”


Contact Us

If you would like to contact us regarding any other matters, please email us at info@tamyrart.org.

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