Kazakhstan's government has formally announced the creation of the Fund for the Development of Creative Industries, which will receive financial backing from the national lottery. The initiative, revealed on March 18, 2025, is poised to significantly bolster Kazakhstan's creative sector.
Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balaeva made the announcement during a government meeting, highlighting the fund's mission to promote and support various facets of the creative industry. "The fund will operate across four main areas: identifying talents, developing projects, developing infrastructure, and promoting exports," Balaeva stated, outlining the core functions the fund aims to fulfill.
This new initiative stems from directives issued by the President back in 2021, which called for the establishment of specialized support institutions to nurture Kazakhstan's burgeoning creative economy. By creating this fund, the government is demonstrating its commitment to empowering this sector through targeted financial and infrastructural support.
Balaeva emphasized the fund’s pivotal role will be to identify and cultivate talent within the creative industries. This includes organizing competitions and creative challenges, establishing mobile production centers, and scouting young talent from various regions. The minister elaborated on the fund’s comprehensive approach, noting the importance of guiding ideas from inception to marketed products and services.
Another key focus will be on project development. The fund aims to facilitate project acceleration and incubation, helping aspiring creative professionals to commercialize their ideas and secure investment. This developmental support is expected to create new pathways for innovation and growth within the sector.
Infrastructure enhancement is also on the agenda. The fund is tasked with establishing creative hubs and ensuring consistent access to artistic venues, as well as facilitating access to state-owned properties to bolster the creative ecosystem.
"One of the main activities will be the development of venture capital investment within the creative industries," Balaeva added. This initiative aims to create specialized venture units under the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), utilizing the expertise of managing companies to effectively allocate resources based on urgency and return potential.
Significantly, the budget for this fund will be constructed from 3% of the income generated by the national lottery operator, known as "Settі Zholdyz". This financial model is expected to provide sufficient resources to empower the creative projects and initiatives supported by the fund.
Notably involved with the fund will be leading creative and educational organizations including Astana Opera, Astana Ballet, the Khabar Agency, TRK Kazakhstan, Kazakh National University of Arts Shabyt, and the Kazakh National Academy of Arts named after T. Zhurgenov. Their collective efforts are anticipated to enrich the fund’s outcomes significantly.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has mandated the completion of the fund's establishment by July 1, 2025, stressing the need for targeted measures of state support for creative projects, ensuring they are attuned to regional characteristics.
This comprehensive initiative signifies Kazakhstan's progressive stance on fostering its creative industries, which are often pivotal for cultural expression and economic growth. With state backing and specific financial resources allocated, hopes are high for revitalizing and enhancing the creative sector.
Through the establishment of the Fund for the Development of Creative Industries, Kazakhstan aims not only to stimulate local talent but also to position itself as a burgeoning hub for creative endeavors. The endeavor is poised to yield transformative results, shaping the future of the creative economy within the region.
