Dr. Sara Raza, who previously collaborated with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Tate Modern, became the artistic director and chief curator of the center. Her program includes exhibitions in Uzbekistan and abroad, public interdisciplinary events, educational formats, residencies, and research projects.
According to Gayane Umerova, the launch of the CCA is intended to strengthen Uzbekistan’s role in the international cultural dialogue and develop the creative economy:  “The Center for Contemporary Art in Tashkent is the embodiment of a long-term vision aimed at firmly establishing Uzbekistan’s position at the very heart of the global cultural dialogue. When we first conceived the CCA, it was important to me that this space be open to everyone—a place of inspiration, dialogue, and opportunity, as well as a focal point for the urban community.” 

Key events of the first year

The first exhibition — Hikmah (March 21 — June 30, 2026) Curator: Dr. Sara Raza. The title translates as “wisdom.” The project will be built around the architecture of the new space and the theme of insight. Among the participants are Muhannad Shono, Nari Ward, Shokhrukh Rakhimov, Tarik Kiswanson, as well as works from museum collections, including the State Museum of Arts named after I.V. Savitsky and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
Vyacheslav Akhunov's Exhibition in Venice (May — November 2026) CCA will present the retrospective “Vyacheslav Akhunov: Instruments of the Mind” in the parallel program of the 61st Venice Biennale.
Kabakovs' Project — The Centre for Cosmic Energy (September 2026) A solo exhibition by Ilya and Emilia Kabakov curated by Zelfira Tregulova will transform the CCA building into a "laboratory of cosmic energy and hope."

Public and Educational Programs

  • Gala and Navruz Festival (March 21–23, 2026) — performances, music, gastronomy, and film screenings on the center’s grounds.
  • Architectural Association Visiting School Uzbekistan — a joint three-year program with the Architectural Association of London.
  • Tashkent Summer Days (June 21 — August 9, 2026) — a seven-week art festival in urban spaces.
  • Tashkent Film Encounters (December 2026) — a film festival reimagining the tradition of the Tashkent International Film Festival (1968–1988).
CCA positions itself as an open public space with free admission, a library, workshops, and a café. The center plans to become a point of attraction for city residents and the regional cultural community, as well as an international platform for exchanging ideas and exploring contemporary art.
The project is implemented by the Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan (ACDF) under the leadership of Gayane Umerova. The CCA will be housed in an industrial building from 1912—a former diesel station and tram depot—reimagined by the French architectural firm Studio KO.