At the International ICOM Conference in Dubai, Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, took part in the panel discussion “Defying Convention: Developing Museums Anew”, dedicated to the future of museums and innovative approaches to their development, with a focus on local context and community engagement.
During the discussion, participants highlighted the importance of geographical and cultural heritage, intercultural dialogue, and knowledge exchange. As an example, they pointed to the inaugural Bukhara Biennial, where contemporary art was seamlessly integrated with traditional crafts and the everyday life of the city. The conversation also addressed the prospects for creating cross-border cultural narratives and strengthening collaboration between museums and cultural institutions.