In Kazakhstan, support for culture and the arts is becoming an important part of systemic reforms aimed at strengthening the state and creating conditions for the development of talented, patriotic, and educated youth. The new Constitution enshrines an important provision on the preservation of historical and cultural heritage, placing particular emphasis on the development of the cultural sector and making its support one of the state's responsibilities.
In accordance with the instructions of the Head of State, cultural infrastructure is being consistently modernized, social guarantees for industry workers are being strengthened, creative education is being developed, and new opportunities for young talent are being created. These measures are aimed at improving the quality of cultural services, preserving national heritage, and promoting national art in Kazakhstan and abroad.
Development of Cultural Infrastructure
The state is consistently implementing measures to build new cultural facilities, modernize existing infrastructure, and strengthen the material and technical base of cultural institutions.
Over the past five years, 274 cultural facilities have been built in the country, and another 1,293 have been renovated. This year, construction is underway at 64 facilities, and renovations are underway at 130. Particular attention is being paid to the development of theatrical infrastructure. In recent years, three new theater buildings have been constructed: the Kalibek Kuanyshbayev National Academic Kazakh Music and Drama Theater in Astana, the Turkestan Music and Drama Theater, and the S. Mukanov Regional Kazakh Music and Drama Theater in Petropavlovsk.
This work continues today. Construction is currently underway on new drama theater buildings in Aktobe and Konayev, and plans are underway for an opera house in Shymkent, a drama theater in Kyzylorda, and a music and drama theater in Semey.
At the same time, renovations to existing institutions are underway. Reconstruction work is underway on the buildings of the Mukhtar Auezov Kazakh National Drama Theater and the Natalia Sats State Academic Russian Theater for Children and Youth. Sponsorship funds also supported renovations and renovations at the Abai Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre: the entrance was reconstructed, and the halls and utility rooms were updated.
The development of museum and tourism infrastructure also remains a key focus. In 2025, a new Museum of Art opened in Astana. Construction continues on the Sauran and Gauhar Ana visitor centers in the Turkestan region, the Esik visitor center in the Almaty region, and a project to create a medieval-style fence within an open-air national park based on the archaeological excavations of the ancient settlement of Bozok.
Furthermore, last year, sponsorship funds were used to overhaul the building of the Abylkhan Kasteyev State Museum of Arts, and the ventilation and air conditioning systems at the Central State Museum in Almaty were updated. Systematic work is underway to strengthen the infrastructure of cultural centers in the regions, in collaboration with the public foundation "Kazakhstan Halkyna." This initiative expands the capabilities of rural and regional cultural centers and improves the quality of cultural services for the public.
At the same time, a Roadmap for Library Modernization until 2027 is being implemented in collaboration with local executive authorities. In 2025, three new libraries were built in the Mangystau, West Kazakhstan, and Turkestan regions, major renovations were completed at 13 libraries, routine repairs were carried out at 64 libraries, and the infrastructure of 197 libraries was updated.
Important infrastructure projects are also being implemented in the field of creative education. Construction has begun in Almaty on a 500-bed dormitory for students of the Temirbek Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts and the Zhusipbek Yelebekov Republican Variety and Circus College. In addition, the building of the Almaty Choreographic School named after Alexander Seleznev is being reconstructed. Construction of new buildings for three specialized music schools is underway: preliminary designs have been prepared, and design and estimate documentation has begun.
Special attention is being paid to the development of creative education in the regions. In collaboration with the Akimat of the North Kazakhstan Region, the opening of a representative office of the K. Baiseitova Kazakh National University of Arts in Petropavlovsk is being discussed. In collaboration with the M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University, training is planned for nine educational programs, with an annual admission of 100 applicants under the state educational program.
Overall, four creative universities currently operate in Astana and Almaty, training specialists in all areas of the arts.
In accordance with the instructions of the Head of State, work is underway to establish a new University of Culture and Arts in Shymkent, based on the Faculty of Culture and Arts of the M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University. The primary focus will be on training technical specialists for the cultural sector, including film and drama, film and TV directing, graphics, multimedia, and media management.
To support creative youth, over 1,000 grants are awarded annually for university studies and over 500 grants for colleges.
Social Guarantees for Cultural Workers
Additional social guarantees are provided for certain categories of outstanding cultural and artistic figures. Individuals awarded the highest state titles and awards, including the titles of "Kazakhstannyn Enbek Eri," "Halyk Aertіsі," "Halyk Zhazushysy," laureates of state prizes, and academicians of national academies are entitled to free outpatient and polyclinic care and medical care. Currently, the Medical Center of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan provides services to 494 holders of such honorary titles. In addition, these categories of citizens and their spouses are provided free spa treatment and a wellness vacation in Kazakhstan once a year.
Along with general social guarantees, Kazakhstan has special support measures for artists whose professions involve specific physical demands and working conditions. In accordance with the Law "On Culture," ballet dancers with at least 20 years of professional experience who retired before reaching retirement age are eligible for monthly cash payments.
Currently, 56 employees receive this support: 49 dancers from the national opera and ballet theaters, as well as seven employees in Astana, Almaty, and Karaganda. 89 million tenge is allocated annually from the national budget for these purposes.
Since January 2024, a similar measure has been in effect for folk dancers in state institutions, as employees engaged in hazardous working conditions. The payment is available from age 55, provided the employer has paid mandatory professional pension contributions for the past seven years. It is provided until retirement age, is exempt from personal income tax, and is administered through the State Corporation "Government for Citizens."
Housing Support for Cultural Workers
In a number of regions, additional support measures are available for social sector workers, including company and rental housing, as well as preferential lending.
Following the instructions of the Head of State, the Government is systematically working to provide company housing to workers in the sector. In 2024, 200 apartments were provided to employees of cultural organizations working in Astana.
This work continued in 2026: an additional 60 apartments were allocated for employees of cultural organizations in Almaty. The key presentation ceremony was organized by the Ministry jointly with the Astana and Almaty akimats.
In total, 260 apartments have been provided to cultural workers with the support of the Head of State. These measures contribute to improving the social security of specialists, retaining qualified personnel, and enhancing the prestige of cultural professions.
State Support for Creative Youth and Cultural Figures
Kazakhstan is implementing a range of measures to support cultural, literary, and creative youth figures.
Since 2023, a special literary prize of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan has been awarded to young writers and poets. Twelve authors have already won it, with a total prize fund of 50 million tenge. The award is presented in four categories: prose, poetry, drama, and children's literature.
The Ayboz National Literary Prize also continues to be presented. Since 2022, 28 writers have won it, with a total prize fund of 140 million tenge. The prize covers key genres of contemporary literature, including prose, poetry, drama, translation, children's literature, literary criticism, and comics. Special attention is being paid to promoting reading. In 2025, at the direction of the Head of State, National Book Day was celebrated for the first time at the national level, with approximately 300 events taking place across the country. The "National Book" competition, with nine nominations and the "Book of the Year" Grand Prix, was also held.
To support young writers in 2024-2025, 40 authors received special grants, leading to the publication of their books. Furthermore, as part of the Year of Working Professions, the "Erlik pen enbek dastany" creative competition was held, with the winners receiving cash prizes.
One of the key instruments for supporting talented youth remains the State Youth Prize "Daryn," awarded for achievements in science, creativity, and sports. To date, 380 people have been awarded the prize. Winners receive a diploma, a badge, and a cash prize of 1 million tenge. Since 2021, at the initiative of the Head of State, the "Tauelsizdik Urpaqtary" grant of 3 million tenge has been awarded annually. It is aimed at supporting new ideas and initiatives among active, creative youth; 153 people have received it since its inception.
In addition, state scholarships are awarded annually to 75 cultural figures. Starting this year, their amount has doubled to 5 million tenge.
By order of the Head of State, the national "Asyl Mura" award has been established to support masters of traditional art and foster interest in the national cultural heritage. The award will be presented to the most talented cultural and artistic figures by presidential decree, upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Culture and Information.
Simultaneously, the ministry is developing a new mechanism for rewarding cultural figures who have received recognition abroad. Rules for a national selection process have already been developed, and prizes will be awarded to winners and laureates of international competitions and festivals involving at least ten countries.
Awards are planned for several areas: music, theater, choreography and ballet, fine and applied arts, cinema, and animation. Funding for this program from the national budget, beginning in 2027, is currently being considered.
Additionally, participants who achieve high results and their mentors may receive cash prizes, grants, departmental awards, and special payments. The amount and procedure for such support depend on the level of the event, the status of the institution, and the decisions of authorized or local executive bodies.
Cultural and artistic figures who have made significant contributions to the development of national culture are annually recognized with state awards. In 2026, 120 citizens received awards for Culture and Art Workers Day.
Support for young talent is provided through creative schools, grant programs, competitions, festivals, educational projects, and scholarships. Public and charitable foundations, as well as creative unions, also play a significant role in this work.
One notable example was the creation of the multinational song and dance ensemble "BIRLIK" in 2024. Following a special casting, the ensemble included 20 of the best dancers and musicians representing Kazakhstan's various ethnic groups.
The Creative Industries Development Fund offers additional opportunities for creative youth. Its work is aimed at supporting talent, attracting investment, developing infrastructure, and promoting Kazakhstani creative products to foreign markets. The Fund also coordinates the activities of regional hubs in all regional centers of the country.
Opportunities for Study and Internships at Foreign Universities for Creative Youth
Kazakh creative youth today have the opportunity to study at leading global universities through international programs such as Bolashak, Erasmus+, DAAD, Fulbright, Chevening, and others. The Bolashak Scholarship in the Creative Industries, Art, and Arts program annually recruits students for master's degree programs at leading creative universities worldwide, including the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the University of Reading, Regent London, Stanford University, the New York Film Academy, and others.
Furthermore, the Bolashak program offers internships for cultural professionals, as well as research internships for faculty at creative universities, to enhance their qualifications and research.
Priority specializations include arts management, acting, music and vocals, conducting, design, decorative and fine arts, painting, sculpture, cinematography, directing, producing, theater, film and TV, animation, and art history.
The government hosts festivals and competitions for young performers, including international competitions for violinists, pianists, ballet dancers, vocalists, and traditional performers. These platforms help unlock the creative potential of young people and support their professional growth. Thanks to state support, Kazakhstani artists successfully perform at prestigious international competitions and festivals. Winners of a number of creative competitions, including the Bibigul Tulegenova Competition, the Pyotr Tchaikovsky Competition, the Ekaterina Maximova Arabesque Competition, the Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk, as well as tournaments organized by the World Dance Council, World DanceSport Federation, and the International Dance Sport Union, are awarded grants and the right to enroll in art universities without a competitive examination.