During Soviet times, arts and culture were promoted, financed, and utilized by the state and the Communist Party as an instrument to underpin the state, its party values, and ideology. Cultural content had to align with ideological propaganda and be broadly understood by the general public. It also had to instill in people a sense of being part of the USSR family alongside its objectives and achievements.
With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the concomitant economic downturn and scarcity of state resources in the newly independent Kyrgyz Republic, the arts and culture community not only lost their financing but, more importantly, their role in society and the state. There is also a lack of understanding of citizen responsibility in a pluralistic market economy. Since 1991, like other newly independent states, the multi-ethnic Kyrgyz Republic has continued to struggle to establish a new national identity that appeals to all its constituent parts.
Б’Art Contemporary was founded in 2006 by contemporary artist Shaarbek Amankul as a personal initiative — a mobile artistic practice and research project born out of the lack of institutional support for contemporary art in Kyrgyzstan. From the outset, the project established itself outside traditional structures, carving out a space for artistic freedom, critical expression, and engagement with the region's complex cultural, social, and environmental realities. Over the years, Б'Art Contemporary has transformed into a dynamic space that combines artistic practice, curatorial research, and a response to the challenges of the times, offering fresh perspectives and unconventional approaches to art in the region.
Б'Art Contemporary creates a dynamic space for contemporary art that fosters critical reflection, cultural exchange, and free self-expression. Б'Art’s focus is on fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where thought-provoking art thrives as a powerful tool for personal and collective transformation, inspiring action and contributing to meaningful change.
To establish a foundation for the development of contemporary art in Kyrgyzstan, fostering creative interaction, collaboration and innovation, while advancing cultural dialogue and artistic exchange on an international scale.
Б'Art Contemporary is a fully independent project, self-financed and managing the entire cycle of its initiatives, from concept development to execution. We do not receive support from the government or institutional bodies; instead, we rely exclusively on private and external sources of funding. All activities, from idea generation and concept development to fundraising and event organization, are shaped by the artistic vision of the founder, whose hands-on involvement is complemented by the leadership of the management team. Despite financial challenges, we remain committed to our mission, consistently developing innovative ideas that support creative freedom, foster critical reflection on art, and emphasize its cultural impact. Our independence allows us to focus on long-term cultural and social transformation, executing projects that align with our vision and contribute to the transformative power of art. We express our sincere gratitude to those who support our work and share our belief in art as a powerful tool for change and self-expression. As an independent art initiative, Б'Art Contemporary welcomes funding opportunities for collaborations and partnerships, ensuring the longevity of the organization's critical vision and mission.