A ceremony awarding state scholarships in the field of culture was held in Astana. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aida Balayeva presented the scholarships on behalf of the Head of State.
The Presidential Scholarship in Literature and Art is awarded for significant contributions to the development of national culture. Throughout its history, the state scholarships have recognized outstanding talents who have the potential to make a significant contribution to the future of Kazakhstani art. This year, 75 individuals received state support. The recipients include both established artists and promising young talents.
The annual awarding of scholarships demonstrates the state's attention to the creative community and young talent, as well as recognition of their contribution to the development of Kazakhstani culture and its advancement on the international stage. Among them are Zhandarbek Malibekov, Meruert Utekeshova, Roza Mukanova, Samal Yeslyamova, Ermek Asylkhanov, Kairat Baibosynov, and others.
Young talents were also singled out, including opera singer Maria Mudryak, theater actress Altynai Nurbek, theater and film actor Bazil Sultangazy, actress Ekaterina Maxim, and others. Each of them has already achieved significant results and is contributing to strengthening the international recognition of Kazakhstani culture.
This measure of state support is aimed at enhancing professional excellence, developing and preserving the national cultural heritage in various fields, and also facilitating the implementation of new ideas and projects. It's worth noting that Kazakhstan is consistently working not only to support artists but also to strengthen its cultural infrastructure and expand creative opportunities.

Over the past five years, more than 150 new cultural facilities have opened in Kazakhstan, including nine theaters, 18 museums, and more than 50 libraries. Four district state archive buildings have been constructed, housing 200,000 items.

Furthermore, 11 cultural organizations have received "National" status, and nine have received "Academic" status.

The development of literature also remains an important part of the country. A special place here is occupied by the Presidential Literary Prize—a special award for young writers and poets, established in 2023 to support the new generation of writers—and the National Literary Prize "Ayboz," established in 2022, which helps discover and promote contemporary authors. Over the course of their existence, 40 people have won these literary prizes.
The practical results of this work are also reflected in publishing activities. In 2025, 119 literary titles with a total circulation of 240,500 copies were published and distributed to public libraries across the country.
Furthermore, as part of the "Year of Working Professions," the national competition "Erlik pen enbek dastany" was organized, designed to demonstrate the importance of labor through works of art. Combined with infrastructure upgrades and support for creative professionals, this strengthens the country's unified cultural space and promotes Kazakhstan's cultural advancement on the international stage.