As part of the Days of Kazakh Culture in France, a roundtable discussion titled “Kazakhstan – France: Cultural Dialogue and Joint Projects” was held at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris. The event was attended by Gulshara Arystankulova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to France; Azamat Belkairоv, Chairman of the Culture Committee of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Emmanuel Kasarhérou, President of the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac; representatives of the French Ministry of Culture; as well as representatives of leading museums, libraries, theatres, film organizations, and the creative industries of both countries.

In his welcoming remarks, the Chairman of the Culture Committee noted that cultural and humanitarian ties between Kazakhstan and France have deep roots and emphasized that the experience accumulated over the years would contribute to further expanding professional cooperation.

“Today, it is important to continue our cultural dialogue through joint projects. Culture is an area that opens the way for countries to gain a deeper understanding of one another. It brings people and creative communities from different countries closer together and serves as a catalyst for new ideas and initiatives. In turn, this deepens mutual understanding between peoples and strengthens cultural ties,” said Azamat Belkairov.

Specific initiatives in the museum sector were also presented. Berik Abdygaluly, Director of the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, presented a new research and exhibition project dedicated to the history of French and Francophone travellers who explored Central Asia. The project envisages holding an international conference in Astana, preparing a scholarly publication, organizing an exhibition dedicated to Joseph-Antoine Castagné, and publishing its catalogue. The participants also discussed launching joint projects with the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac and further developing cooperation with the Louvre.

With a view to continuing cooperation in the museum sector, Kazreconstruction proposed joint research into cultural heritage sites, as well as the use of 3D documentation, photogrammetry, and laser scanning technologies. In addition, the parties are considering internship and masterclass programs for young restorers and researchers at specialized institutions in Kazakhstan and France, as well as launching a professional exchange program.

In the library sector, Kumis Seitova, Director of the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan, presented several areas for cooperation with the French MEMORIST centre. The proposals included sharing expertise in document preservation, restoration, and digitization; providing expert consultations; developing joint work with selected collections in the future; and launching pilot projects.

Alexander Sovostyanov, Director of the Astana Opera theatre, presented a number of proposals for developing ties in the field of theatrical arts. The theatre plans to continue creative exchanges and organize projects as part of touring activities in France. One of the notable initiatives is the staging in Paris of “Tomiris,” a new full-length ballet by Sultanbek Gumar.

The roundtable also devoted considerable attention to cooperation in the film industry. The foundation for collaboration in this area is an agreement between the State Center for Support of National Cinema of Kazakhstan and France’s National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC). The parties discussed the development of international film production, expanding opportunities for Kazakhstani films to enter the French and European markets, as well as the translation and dubbing of films from both countries, including animated productions.

In the field of culture and creative industries, the participants discussed opportunities to expand direct contacts between specialized organizations in the two countries. Particular attention was paid to professional exchanges, creative residencies and educational programs, as well as the joint promotion of collaborative creative projects.

The French side highly valued the partnership that has been established with Kazakhstan in the fields of museums, libraries, cinema, cultural heritage restoration, and creative industries. Representatives of relevant French institutions expressed their readiness to strengthen cooperation in these areas and to work jointly on developing the proposed initiatives.

At the conclusion of the roundtable, the parties agreed to continue discussing the proposed initiatives together with experts. The cooperation between the two countries will prioritize joint exhibitions and restoration projects, the development of ties in the film industry, professional exchanges, and the promotion of creative industries.