Dear friends, please read and share:
People from all over the world keep asking: How can we join your writer/artist residency in Uzbekistan?
The answer is simple: you can just come.
There’s no application, no competition—we welcome everyone who wants to create, share, and connect.
We host 15–20 people at a time for 15 days. You won’t stay in hotels—you’ll live with local writers and artists in their homes. We eat, write, create, and enjoy life together. It’s all about community and togetherness.
Foreign participants only need to cover their international flight and visa fees (many countries are visa-free for Uzbekistan). All in-country expenses—accommodation, meals, local transport, events—are covered by the program.
This is a fully independent, non-governmental initiative, and each residency session costs around $25,000. This includes accommodation, food, transport, event organization, modest salaries for the small team and host families, my salary as the program director, as well as banners, advertising, and an international anthology featuring participants’ work.
We can also provide official letters for those applying for travel grants or external funding in their own countries.
We encourage you to reach out to past participants to hear about their experiences. We don’t stage anything—we show you the real Uzbekistan. Yes, we have shortcomings, but we also have a rich history, literature, culture, and art that deserve to be seen and celebrated.
With growing interest, the program may eventually become more structured and competitive. But for now, we welcome good friends with simple hearts and easygoing spirits who believe in creativity, connection, and cultural exchange.
I’m proud to be a bridge between Uzbekistan and the world—but I must admit: I have been struggling for years to knock on the doors of responsible institutions in Uzbekistan, seeking financial support. Sadly, there’s been no luck so far.
That’s why I’m turning to you. I need your ideas, support, and suggestions. Please also feel free to connect me with vibrant international creative teams or suggest job opportunities where I can help build meaningful, inclusive cultural programs.
I’m even ready to move to a country where my vision and efforts are truly valued.
Let’s keep this dream alive—together. Do you have ideas, connections, or opportunities that could help this grow into something even greater?
With all good wishes and love,
Azam Abidov
