In recent years, East Kazakhstan has seen an energetic push towards developing its creative industries, an initiative backed by the regional government. This sector of the economy, reliant on the creation and sale of innovative goods and services, is being significantly shaped by the establishment of centers dedicated to fostering creativity and cultural heritage. According to the Department of Culture, ongoing projects aim to strengthen this developing cultural landscape and boost economic opportunities.
One of the vital components contributing to this vibrant expansion is the "Department for Support of Creative Industries" located at the regional Philharmonic Hall, alongside the Center for the Development of Creative Industries in Ust-Kamenogorsk. These centers play a crucial role in promoting local creativity through numerous events. As noted by regional official Ербол Нургалиев, "Для популяризации креативных индустрий в области проводится множество мероприятий," highlighting the depth of engagement with the community.
Among the standout events is the International Festival of Blacksmiths, known as "Shygys salbyryny," held in October 2024 in the village of Bozanbai, located in the Ulansk district. This festival brought together artisans and enthusiasts from Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, Hungary, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan, attracting over 5,000 guests. Visitors were immersed in a rich cultural experience, viewing exhibitions of traditional art and participating in master classes on national crafts, including embroidery and culinary arts.
The festival also featured the popular "City of Masters," a dedicated area in the Left Bank museum complex that hosted a variety of exhibitions, craft fairs, and hands-on workshops. This setting not only showcased the region's artistic capabilities but also fostered community engagement, making it a significant hub for local artisans.
In addition to traditional crafts, East Kazakhstan's rich art scene flourished with interventions from regional performing arts. The previous year saw a successful concert by the regional symphony orchestra at the prestigious Astana Ballet, which garnered much attention. The production of the Kazakh opera "Aisulu" and the premiere of the musical "Mamma Mia" added to the region's cultural portfolio, while a new "Theater of Operetta" department emerged in the local drama theater, diversifying the artistic offerings available to residents and visitors alike.
Moreover, significant celebrations were held in September 2024, marking the XXX Republican Festival of Drama Theaters, dedicated to the centenary of the esteemed playwright Berdibek Sokpakbayev. Coinciding with the Day of the Constitution of Kazakhstan, a festival of wind orchestras also showcased the talent embedded in East Kazakhstan’s cultural fabric.
Folk art continues to receive significant support, as evidenced by the recent tours of theater groups from Ridder and Tarbagatai, and the Republican Festival of Carpets and Decorative Arts named "Khasyrlu dәstүrler," which took place in March 2025. Artisans from various regions participated, sharing their skills and preserving traditional crafts for future generations.
Another notable milestone was the opening of the Akhtan Nurbaev School of Poets at the regional library. This venue is designed for young poets and creative talent, acting as a nurturing ground for new voices in the arts. The inaugural Republican Aitys of Poets, which celebrated the 90th anniversary of the influential writer Kalikhan Yskakov, featured 12 talented performers representing diverse backgrounds across the country.
The creative industry is known not only for its artistic expression but also for embracing modern technology. The regional library, named after A. Pushkin, offers educational programs such as "MakerSpace," "IT technologies," and "IT for Junior," aimed at teaching programming, computer graphics, 3D printing, working with neural networks, and content creation for social media. Educating the younger generation in these fields is crucial, as the integration of technology and creativity is increasingly seen as a blueprint for future economic stability.
Furthermore, the "Shygys Creative Hub" forum brought together experts and speakers from Kazakhstan and Russia, discussing the future of the creative sector and establishing professional ties. This collaborative spirit is vital to the region's aspirations in the creative economy, enhancing networks that can lead to successful projects and partnerships.
To further elevate engagement among the youth interested in technology, the region organized IT hackathons such as "SHYGYS ÖRKENІ," the "Skills for Geeks" championship, and exhibitions showcasing IT projects under the banner "Jastar Time" in 2024. These initiatives are essential in creating platforms for young innovators to display their work and connect with potential mentors in the tech industry.
At the Station of Young Technicians, students can participate in clubs focused on 3D modeling, programming, and robotics, all of which provide an invaluable foundation for aspiring engineers and tech specialists. These hands-on experiences serve not only as introduction courses to university students but also as platforms for dual education, ensuring the proper training for the region's future labor market.
Reflecting on these advancements, Ербол Нургалиев stated, "Ученики СЮТ успешно участвуют и побеждают в конкурсах различного уровня," emphasizing the success of these programs in preparing students for competitive platforms and various levels of technological competitions.
The ongoing commitment to developing creative industries in East Kazakhstan marks a transformative period for the region. With each initiative working to intertwine culture, technology, and education, the area is poised to redefine its cultural identity while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities, ultimately promoting growth and innovation.
