The procedure for supporting projects in the field of culture and art through state grants has been approved in Uzbekistan. Non-governmental legal entities, individual entrepreneurs, self-employed persons, and creative teams can participate in the competition. The Ministry of Justice reported on this.
Grants are allocated in the directions of theater, circus, music, dance, intangible cultural heritage, cinema and animation, literature, cultural education, inclusive and social projects, startups, artificial intelligence, and digitalization. Total financing limits are set from 1 billion soms to 1.5 billion soms.
To participate in the competition, it is necessary to register on a special platform via OneID. Applications are accepted for 30 calendar days after the competition is announced. Each participant can apply for only one direction. Participation is free of charge.
The competition is held in five stages. Projects are evaluated by the commission. Works that score at least 60 points are recommended for financing based on ratings and within the allocated funds. If fixable deficiencies are identified in the documents, 5 working days are given to eliminate them.
Contracts are concluded with the winners within 10 working days after the announcement of the results. Usually, 50 percent of the grant is transferred in the initial tranche, and the remaining part in two stages depending on the fulfillment of performance indicators and approval of interim reports. For projects lasting up to six months, funds can be allocated in full.
Grant funds must be spent based on the goals and estimates specified in the contract. The implementation and results of the projects are monitored.
Participants who are dissatisfied with the competition process or results can file an appeal within 10 days. Those dissatisfied with the decision of the appeal commission have the right to apply to the court.
Intellectual property rights created as a result of the project remain with the authors or other right holders. The Ministry of Culture can use it for non-commercial purposes only with the consent of the right holder.
