The Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan presented the results of cultural activities in the Ulytau, Zhetisu, Akmola, Aktobe, and West Kazakhstan regions for the first half of 2026. In the Ulytau region, one of the key areas was the development of the Zhoshy Khan historical and cultural complex, which was transferred to the regional historical and archaeological museum. Over the first half of the year, the region digitized approximately 1.4 million pages of archival documents—36% more than in the same period last year. This year, archaeological research is being conducted at two sites, and restoration work is being carried out at three monuments.
The Akmola region was the first to participate in the national Creative Aimaq project. More than 200 artisans, designers, artists, startups, and creative business representatives participated in the fair. Six infrastructure projects are being implemented in the region, and one rural club has already been commissioned. Eighteen creative clubs opened in the first half of the year, with another 25 planned for launch by the end of the year.
In the Aktobe region, over 18,000 events were held in the first six months, reaching over 1.7 million people. Four cultural facilities are under construction in the region, and three more are undergoing major renovations. The "Zhyraular Zholymen..." project was a significant event: 36 zhyrshy performed the epic cycle "Kyrymnyn Qyryk Batyry" (The Great Warriors) non-stop for 24 hours. The achievement was entered into the International Book of Records.
In the Zhetisu region, four rural community centers opened in the first half of the year. Five more community centers and a district library are planned for completion by the end of the year. A chamber choir has been created at the regional philharmonic, and the Biken Rimova Academic Theater has added five productions to its repertoire. During an expedition across eight districts and two cities, 124 bearers of intangible cultural heritage were identified. The development of a management plan for the Zharkent Mosque is ongoing.
In the West Kazakhstan Region, 25 rural libraries have been modernized: their premises have been renovated, equipment has been updated, and their book collections have been replenished. Following a scientific restoration, the A.N. Ostrovsky Theater has returned to its historic building, and the Khadisha Bukeeva Theater will open a new season on a renovated stage. The Garifulla Kurmangaliyev Regional Philharmonic Society has been awarded "academic" status. In connection with this, employees of the institution have received a 50% salary bonus starting in the second half of the year. A creative hub, "ÓzgeEpic Oral," has also been opened at the Youth Palace.
The results of the meeting included consideration of the renovation of rural cultural institutions, staffing, digitalization of museum and archival collections, archaeological research, and scientific restoration work.
In the second half of the year, construction and renovation of cultural facilities, updating of museum exhibitions, and implementation of creative projects will continue in the regions. Traditional performers' competitions, theater, and music festivals are planned, including "Danesh Dauysy," "Zhaiyk Sazy," "Ulytau Unі," "Zhezkiik," and Flamingo Fest.
Following the hearing, the regions were recommended to ensure the high-quality and timely implementation of the instructions of the Head of State, the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Ministry of Culture and Information, complete the projects planned for the second half of the year, and take action on the identified issues. The Committee on Culture has taken control of the implementation process.