Culture Policy Boost: Uzbekistan is rolling out expanded tax incentives for the culture and arts sector, exempting eligible organizations from VAT, profit and turnover taxes, plus land, property and personal income taxes, while also making sponsorship money for literature, culture and the arts tax-free. Direct Support for Creatives: From 1 July, the state will reimburse up to 20% of regional concert and event costs, create regional directorates to manage cultural venues, and issue free vouchers for 500,000 people from selected social groups and 100,000 low-income families and children with disabilities. Film Industry Overhaul: Uzbekistan will reform film governance by ending several state bodies and changing financing rules—up to 30% of state-ordered film budgets can go to promotion and advertising, foreign film companies get tax exemptions, and 50% of screening revenues from state-commissioned films will be returned as incentives; the national festival “Olting Humo” gets 5 billion soums annually. Social Benefits for Artists: New measures expand housing and health support for cultural workers, including mortgage loan compensation, rent help in Tashkent and regions, free treatment and health insurance, and sanatorium vouchers. Arts on Stage: Tashkent’s Uzbek National Puppet Theatre premieres “Caliph-Stork” from 1 June, a modern take on Wilhelm Hauff blending puppet, drama, physical and musical theatre. Cultural Recognition: President Mirziyoyev presented state awards to 167 cultural figures in Tashkent, with posthumous honors for 24. Community & Heritage: Namangan set a Guinness record by planting 29.4 million flowers for its 65th International Flower Festival, expected to draw millions of visitors. Regional Lifestyle & Trade: Ferghana region secured Malaysia deals for fruit exports, with first air shipments of cherries and new apricot/peach deliveries to Kuala Lumpur.