March 25, 2011
Two projects devised by the Fund Forum reached their culmination on March 25 at Tashkent`s Center of National Arts with the closing ceremony of “Bazar Art/Spring 2001” applied art fair and the award-presenting ceremony for the winners of the Pedagogical Grants Program. This year “Bazar Art” applied art fair brought together 100 leading craftsmen from across Uzbekistan and the Republic of Karakalpakstan while 1,320 teachers participated in the Pedagogical Grants Program. The project winners – 50 educators and 5 craftsmen – as well as all the participants were saluted by Gulnara Karimova, the chairperson of the Fund Forum`s Board of Trustees.
“Bazar-Art” drew over 3,000 people, which is indicative of the growing profile of the fair, range of items and quality of the exhibition. In response to visitors` requests, Bazar Art was even extended for 2 days – until March 27.
Twice a year, the Center of National Arts brings together a multitude of Uzbek applied art fans and enthusiasts. The event is a good opportunity for visitors to see excellent samples of creations by applied art masters` who work to continue ancient traditions of their dynasties and to restore ancient techniques of Uzbek schools. The applied art fair`s “menu” offers batik, suzani, national dolls, jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, carpets, lacquered miniature items, embroidery, carpets, national clothes and a lot more.
Crafts masters` tasks are in many ways similar to teachers` activities. Therefore, also honored were the winners of the Pedagogical Grants Program which was established in 2006 in an effort to help national educators hone their skills, improve teaching methodologies and provide a stimulus to creative innovation in teaching.
The grants are made available in three categories. The first is aimed at supporting teachers from general education institutions. The second category focuses on educators at academic lyceums, colleges and higher educational institutions. The third category caters for deans, heads of departments and vice-rectors. As many as 4,000 teachers from all parts of Uzbekistan have participated in the program since it was set up six years ago.
As in previous years, the event was pepped up with a concert that featured Uzbek pop stars such as Zulaikho Boikhonova, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Ziyoda, Abdulla Shomagrupov as well as Tantana group, the winners of “Yangi avlod” (New generation) Children`s Creativity Festival.
Related links
Again, a good motivation! Sports and Educational Grants, Scholarships