A new grant program for young artists from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan has been launched by the independent initiative Easy Art, supported by the BeWoman forum.
The idea behind the initiative is not just to provide financial support, but to create a sustainable platform for a new generation of artists, shaping the region’s visual language.
The program’s themes center around not only art, but also what matters to society: identity, female leadership, cultural transformations, collective experience and outlooks toward the future. This isn’t just pretty language — participants will have the chance to explore what’s intimate and shared, local and global, traditional and new, all through the lens of these ideas.
Selected finalists will be awarded:
- A monthly grant of $630 paid over six months;
- Participation in an exhibition at the Almaty Gallery, which will take place from Sep. 20 to 30;
- Publication of their work in the program’s catalogue;
- A digital showcase of their artwork on screens at the BeWoman Central Asian forum.
Moreover, one of the participants will receive a special prize — a chance to participate in an international artist residency.
The grant application is open to artists aged between 18 and 35 years, with at least one year of working experience and formal art education. Eligible art directions include painting, photography, digital art, installation and video art.
The open call lasts until Aug. 10, with applications accepted here. Finalists will be selected by an international jury, consisting of mentors, fine art experts and gallery dealers.
BeWoman is a forum focused on women’s leadership and development in Central Asia, uniting those who shape the future of the region and the world. One of the speakers last year was Maye Musk, who also visited the Ihlas Museum of Folk Musical Instruments as part of her trip to Almaty.
