International and interactive traveling exhibition of contemporary art in Kyrgyzstan
Introducing AK JOL – Art Mobil, a traveling exhibition inspired by the nomadic traditions of Kyrgyzstan, where movement, exchange, and storytelling are at the root of the journey. Our goal is to honor the rich heritage and traditions of Kyrgyz communities while creating space for global perspectives to blend and flourish. Through cross-cultural collaborations with local artists and residents, alongside creatives from around the world, AK JOL becomes a shared path built on trust, creativity, and exchange.
The journey began with the Berlin Bishkek Art Weeks (2023) who brought artists from Central Asia and Berlin together to celebrate intercultural creativity. These milestones laid the foundation for AK JOL’s mission: to bring contemporary art to Kyrgyzstan’s rural regions and foster meaningful cultural exchange between local and international artists.
Connecting Through Creativity
At its heart, AK JOL is about fostering creativity, solidarity, and connection through art. At a time when freedom of expression and cultural diversity are under growing pressure, ArtCity aims to provide a platform where art becomes a bridge—connecting traditions with new perspectives and empowering humanitarian dialogues that transcends borders.
Follow our journey as we move through the outskirts of Bishkek to the streets of Berlin.
AK JOL – Art Mobil unfolds across Kyrgyzstan’s seven administrative regions (Chui, Issyk-Kul, Talas, Naryn, Jalal-Abad, Osh, Batken) through three strategic phases:
Phase A: We spend 1-2 weeks in each village, collaborating with local communities to establish “bus stops” as hubs for future artistic exchange—meeting points where connections are built.
Phase B: The Art Mobil begins its journey, traveling to the bus stops to host pop-up exhibitions that connect Kyrgyz and international artists.
Phase C: The project expands to urban audiences with international festivals and exhibitions, showcasing the stories and collaborations built along the way. change. We work collaboratively with local communities and artists, ensuring that our projects are accessible and inclusive. By fostering creativity and dialogue, we strive to contribute to a better society and empower individuals to express themselves through the arts.
“Тhe way is made by those who walk it.”
FILM DOKUMENTATION
AK JOL – Open Road is a journey into the heart of Kyrgyz culture, exploring the deep-rooted connections between migration, globalization, and nomadic traditions. Directed by Louise Amelie in collaboration with Kyrgyz creatives, the documentary follows the ArtCity team through a multi-year voyage across the landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, documenting their interactions with local communities, artists, and storytellers.
Through these encounters, the film captures the resilience and aspirations of the Kyrgyz people, weaving together personal stories and mesmerizing visuals that reflect the complexities of identity in a world defied by constant change. At its core is the concept of “Ak Jol”—the “white road”—symbolizing safe travels, new opportunities, and the duality of movement as both a challenge and a promise.
Kyrgyz nomadism, with its emphasis on adaptability, community, and harmony with the land, is presented as a lens through which to understand democratic and humane values in the face of globalization. The film also highlights the tensions of migration, the fragility of cultural ties, and the transformative potential of finding common ground in the pursuit of a better future.
“Culture is not static or trapped in history. It’s alive, evolving, and a shared responsibility. By honoring where we come from and embracing where we are going, we create a future that reflects the past while being open to the possibilities tomorrow.”
Altynai Osmoeva
BUS STOP CONCEPT
In September 2024, we spent a month building Chiy Koorchak, the first “bus stop” installation of our ongoing project, AK JOL – Art Mobil, on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. Created in collaboration with Kyrgyz artist Altynai Osmoeva, community members from the Tong district, and the ArtCity team, this 12-meter-high art installation marks a significant milestone in our journey.
The design of Chiy Koorchak is inspired by Kyrgyz traditional handicrafts, particularly the “chiy koorchak”—a doll made from straw reeds and fabric, passed down through generations as a gift from mothers to daughters. This cherished object symbolizes maternal love, intergenerational bonds, and the carefree joy of childhood.
Standing on the sacred shores of Issyk-Kul, the installation bridges Kyrgyz heritage with contemporary art. It draws inspiration from the Kyrgyz yurt—a traditional space for gathering and connection—while reimagining these cultural symbols as a hub for future art exhibitions and cultural exchange.
Crafted from locally sourced recycled materials, Chiy Koorchak reflects a commitment to sustainability and holds a deep connection to the land’s history and spirit. Bridging the past and present, it features QR codes that allow visitors to explore the project’s mission year-round. A soon-to-launch digital map will link these stops, connecting regions across Kyrgyzstan and fostering global connections.
Main Goal: Unite Through Art
Against the backdrop of growing challenges to freedom of expression and the rights of minorities, the AK JOL project aims to create a space for dialogue, collaboration, and cultural preservation. By fostering public debate and raising awareness of democratic values, we hope to collectively pave the way for a brighter future.
„Wherever we are, humanity moves, striving for new places and new opportunities.
The expansion of our inner world and our understanding will undoubtedly guide us.“
CHINGHIZ AITMATOV:
The Nomads (1989)
