U. S. Department of state

Project Objectives (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives.):
• Increase exposure to and understanding of United States through educational and cultural 
programming focused on highlighting mutual values between the United States and 
Uzbekistan
• Establish formal or informal partnerships between U.S. and Uzbekistani 
artists/musicians/dancers/directors/organizations to produce publicly accessible and 
engaging content in support of:
o freedom of expression,
o 
women’s empowerment,
o tolerance,
o diversity and inclusion, and/or
o youth engagement/empowerment.
• Increase understanding of the value of cultural heritage preservation in Uzbekistan

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• Increase awareness of the history of U.S.-Uzbekistan bilateral relations, connected to the 
30th anniversary this year, through cultural projects
Project Audiences (any of the following): 
• Uzbek-speaking publi
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• Rural or underserved communities 
• Youth, especially in regions of Uzbekistan outside of Tashkent 
• Social entrepreneurs
• University staff, educators, students 
• Artists/artisans 
• Athletes 
2. Women’s Empowerment: 
The United States and Uzbekistan view women’s empowerment as an area of strategic focus—
both governments approved national gender strategies in 2021. The U.S. government believes 
that gender equity and equality are not only a matter of human rights and fairness, but also: 
critical to promoting inclusive economic growth; advancing peace, security, and the prevention 
and resolution of conflicts; combatting gender-based violence; and enabling us to address global 
challenges more effectively such as the climate crisis, forced displacement, the COVID-19 
pandemic, and resulting economic and social disruptions.
A previously funded project included the screening of “Behind the Clouds,” which highlighted 
the struggles and perseverance of women in regions of Uzbekistan where women’s rights are not 
as advanced. The screening was followed by a discussion on navigating cultural norms, gender 
roles, and socioeconomic hardships in the Fergana Valley.