Finalists of 2023 Umai National Award announced
On the eve of Independence Day, December 15, the names of the finalists of the 2023 Umai National Award in Art were announced, Kazinform News Agency reports via the Ministry of Culture and Sport.
The Astana Opera, which became the venue for the award, reported that the organizing committee received 322 applications from contestants, of which 114 reached the finals.
As the organizing committee of the Umai Award noted, this year's competition is notable for active involvement of artists and creative teams from every corner of the country. For example, Mangistau region widely presented works in the Best Master Craftsman category. A large number of works came from the northern regions in the Best Painter and Best Graphic Artist categories. Southern regions and participants from Almaty, Taraz, Kyzylorda submitted applications in all categories.
The finalists’ names are already available on the Astana Opera’s official website. The winners will be announced at the next stage by members of an independent expert committee. The Umai Award ceremony will take place at the Astana Opera on Decedmber 22. An extensive program with many theatrical performances will surely delight the audience.
The winners will be awarded with Umai figurine, cast from bronze and inlaid with semi-precious stones, and cash prizes. The prize-fund of the competition is 79 million tenge.
This year, special prizes will be awarded to the winners of the Best Children’s Performance and Discovery of the Year nominations (in the field of performing arts).
The Umai Award plays an important role in supporting and encouraging talented creative individuals. It is a catalyst for the development of art in our country, inspiring new generations of creators and strengthening the cultural community.
Over the past two years, the Umai Award has become a platform for bringing together artists, artisans, painters and other creative people and also serves to exchange ideas and create a fruitful cultural community in our country.