APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15 October 2025, 23:59 BST – only 15 spots available
APPLY NOW: OPEN CALL FOR EMERGING ARTISTS
The Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) in collaboration with The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts are pleased to announce an Open Call for emerging artists and craft enthusiasts to take part in the inaugural workshop of our Pilot Year Programme.
The Living Heritage of Samarkand course will take place in Tashkent and Samarkand, bringing together fifteen participants to engage intensively with the architectural and decorative context of the iconic Ulugh Beg Madrasa. This course coincides with the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to heritage preservation whilst building foundational skills in traditional arts.
Led by expert international tutors and designed as a collaborative platform for shared learning and cultural exploration, this opportunity is not a conventional academic course, but an immersive experience in Uzbekistan's architectural heritage. Participants will gain exclusive access to historic monuments during this significant UNESCO cultural moment and explore how traditional craftsmanship responds meaningfully to cultural and historical contexts.
Programme Overview
Course Title: The Living Heritage of Samarkand: Engaging with Ulugh Beg Madrasa
Dates: 20 October – 13 November 2025
Duration: 4 weeks
Location: 20 -29 October in Tashkent, followed by 2 weeks in Samarkand during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference
Capacity: 15 participants
Part 1 - Tashkent: Foundation Week
Introduction to traditional design principles: geometry, harmony, and the order of nature in the context of Uzbekistan's architectural heritage.
Practical exercises in drawing and design skills essential for the Samarkand activities.
Part 2 - Samarkand: 43rd UNESCO Conference Period
Deep exploration of Ulugh Beg Madrasa during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference through themed workshop projects that include
Proportional analysis of architectural plans and elevations
Monumental calligraphy and brickwork patterns
Arch forms and spandrel ornamentation
The construction of complex geometric and biomorphic ornament
Participants will work collaboratively towards large-scale artworks that contribute to cultural exhibitions during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference, providing a unique platform to showcase traditional arts on the international stage.
What You Will Learn
Geometric Design Principles: Discover the mathematical foundations underlying Uzbekistan's architectural heritage
Biomorphic Ornamentation: Study natural forms and their artistic interpretation in traditional crafts
Monumental Calligraphy: Explore the integration of Arabic script within architectural decoration
Proportional Systems: Understand how harmony and balance are achieved in monumental architecture
Colour Theory: Learn traditional colour palettes and their application in decorative arts
Heritage Analysis: Develop skills in architectural documentation and cultural interpretation
Each Participant Will Receive
Expert Instruction: Intensive tuition from internationally recognised traditional arts specialists
UNESCO Access: Exclusive participation in the 43rd UNESCO General Conference cultural programme
Accommodation: Full accommodation during all programme weeks in both Tashkent and Samarkand
Materials: All drawing materials, tools, and workshop supplies provided
Site Access: Exclusive access to study Ulugh Beg Madrasa and other significant monuments
Cultural Immersion: Direct participation in Uzbekistan's major UNESCO cultural moment
Exhibition Opportunity: Artworks displayed as part of 43rd UNESCO General Conference exhibitions
Pathway Opportunity: Priority consideration for the full two-year Diploma Programme launching in 2026
Future Opportunities - Complete Pilot Year Programme
This course is the first of five modules in our 2025-2026 Pilot Year Programme.
Future workshops include:
Module 2: Architecture and Proportion
26 January – 13 February 2026 | Tashkent with site visit to Bukhara | 20 participants
Module 3: Monumental Calligraphy
30 March – 17 April 2026 | Tashkent | 20 participants
Module 4: Geometric Patterns of Uzbekistan
4 May – 22 May 2026 | Tashkent with site visits to Bukhara and Samarkand | 20 participants
Module 5: Biomorphic Ornament from Uzbekistan
8 June – 26 June 2026 | Tashkent with site visits to Khiva and Samarkand | 20 participants
Participants in the first workshop will receive priority consideration for subsequent modules
About This Initiative
Located in Tashkent, the crossroads of civilisations and the vibrant heart of the ancient Silk Road, this new traditional arts initiative is where centuries of artistic heritage meet artists’ creativity. The mission is to nurture the next generation of artists, thinkers, and creative visionaries who will shape the future of art and design.
Through strategic collaboration with internationally renowned traditional arts educators through the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, this programme combines global expertise with local excellence to create world-class education rooted in Uzbekistan's magnificent cultural heritage.
The Pilot Year Programme serves as preparation for a groundbreaking two-year Diploma Programme launching in 2026, designed to attract emerging talent from across Uzbekistan and beyond.
Join Uzbekistan's UNESCO Cultural Moment
As Uzbekistan hosts the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in 2025, the world's spotlight turns to a nation reimagining its future through culture and creativity, rekindling its historic role as a crossroads of civilisations and a leader in heritage preservation.
This workshop represents a flagship initiative underscoring Uzbekistan's commitment to education, creativity, and global dialogue during this pivotal UNESCO moment. This is your extraordinary opportunity to be among the first participants whilst contributing to Uzbekistan's cultural presentation on the international UNESCO stage.
Apply Now - Limited to 15 Participants
Submit your application by 15 October 2025, 23:59 GMT via this link: LINK
Don't miss this unique opportunity to engage with Uzbekistan's living heritage during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference whilst building skills for your creative future.