This weekend is all about charity, safe places, and discovering more about the world of art. This Friday evening, local communities in Astana will host a cultural exchange evening for people who can’t pass up a chance to shop and enjoy their time at the Kazakh–Ukrainian fair. The capital city offers a lecture on social inequality on Saturday and a vibrant exhibition praising hanbok, running for a whole week.
Meanwhile, Almaty boasts a wider array of events this weekend with several exhibitions, a documentary screening, and even a women-only safe space rave party (21+ event). And those of you intrigued by dark folklore tales shouldn’t miss the story of the nine-tailed spirit's journey to becoming human premiering at the Korean Theater this Friday.
Discover these and more events in the digest by QazMonitor below.
Astana
"Adam Bol!" Fest
This Friday evening in Astana will carry a special meaning this time around, as “Adam Bol!" festival will bring about an opportunity for some Kazakh-Ukrainian cultural exchange. Don’t pass on a chance to shop for cute trinkets while enjoying beatboxing, sax, and vocals by local musical talent like Kosta Trio, or Dana — all in support of charity.
The event will include a charity fundraiser for the Angels of Freedom foundation, which assists schools and kindergartens in Ukraine impacted by the war.
NOTE: Attendees wearing either Kazakh ornaments or Ukrainian embroidery will receive a special gift.
Date: May 17, 7:00 p.m.
Address: Chili Grill bar, Zheltoksan Street 2T
Entrance: Free
"Social and Economic Inequality I" lecture by Kazakhstan Sociology Lab
Inequalities stemming from the societal structure, gaps in income, wealth, access to education, pension levels, and social status profoundly influence our daily lives. In Kazakhstan, these discussions are usually made with a reference to classical and somewhat outdated theories from the Social Sciences. The Kazakhstan Sociology Lab wants new ideas to take hold in the country and explore how to apply the foremost knowledge of societal dynamics to local issues.
NOTE: Please sign up through the organizer’s official form to attend the event. Payment is on-site. For the full list of available lectures, consult the official program. All lectures will be conducted in Russian.
Date: May 18, 3:00 p.m.
Address: Oqy bookshop, Turan Avenue 34A
Entrance: ₸1,500 (as of May 16, 2024, $3.42)
"Hanbok, Reborn as Art" (예술 입은 한복) exhibition
Hanbok, a traditional attire of the Korean people, not only serves as clothing but also carries subtle messaging evocative of the traditional worldview. Children would wear vibrant, distinct hues, while adults would often opt for more subdued colors. At the upcoming event, twelve Korean artists will showcase their paintings, installations, and videos, aiming to reimagine traditional elements of hanbok—its materials, patterns, colors, designs, and shapes—to create a new artistic value, reflective of the modern worldview.
NOTE: To visit the exhibition, you must apply to the museum in advance using the contact provided by the organizers. Submit your application at least one day before your planned visit.
Dates: May 17–June 23
Schedule: Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Address: Presidential Center, Alikhan Bokeikhan Street 1
Entrance: Free
Almaty
Kumiho’s Embrace (구미호의 포옹) dance play
In the legends, Kumiho the Fox harbors a longing to become human and discover true love. But beneath that lies a dark ocean marked by doubts, hued by the blood of her victims. In the end, will she reclaim her humanity, or will the beast within continue to define her?
NOTE: The play will be staged in Korean with synchronized Russian translation.
Dates: May 17–18, 7:00 p.m.
Address: Republican State Academic Korean Theater, Bogenbay Batyr Street 158
Entrance: ₸1,000–₸3,000 ($2.28–$6.83)
Kusama: Infinity (dir. Heather Lenz) documentary screening
A room is lined with mirrored glass. Standing inside a small platform, viewers can see the light bounce endlessly off the mirrored surfaces all the way into an eternity. This is the work of Yayoi Kusama, Japan’s living legend and the world's top-selling female artist. But that wasn’t how it started. Only late into her career did she receive the recognition she deserved, overcoming sexism, racism, and the stigma surrounding mental illness.
NOTE: The documentary will screened in Russian. Please sign up through Art of Her’s DMs to attend the event.
Date: May 18, 2:00 p.m.
Address: Abylkhan Kasteyev Museum of Arts, Microdistrict Koktem-3, 22/1
Entrance: Free
Sis Party: Like a Rockstar
Three words. Fury, freedom, and rebellion — these fit Sis Party perfectly. Described as a 'caring older sister,' this event is a safe space for women and offers something for everyone. Whether you're up to rave to the bit, the local DJs will have your back, and if you prefer a cozy hangout, local communities will host workshops and lectures on various topics.
NOTE: The event is women-only. Adults only 21+.
Dates: May 18, 8:00 p.m.
Address: Rocky Horror bar, Zheltoksan Street 96/98
Entrance: ₸5,500 ($12.52)
"Legends of Sharyn" exhibition by Ruslan Yussupov
A master of realistic mysticism, the late Ruslan Yussupov dedicated his art to unraveling the mysteries of existence. His landscape series of the Sharyn Canyon, painted between 2005 and 2013, presents nature as the grand shaper of desolate lands, which echo a distant past through intricately crafted shapes and vivid colors.
Dates: May 17–May 30
Schedule: Tue–Sun, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Address: Abylkhan Kasteyev Museum of Arts, Microdistrict Koktem-3, 22/1
Entrance: ₸200–₸500 ($0.46–$1.14)
"It Doesn't Hurt" (Не больно) eco exhibition
The nature spirits welcome everyone to a week-long fair, placing the environment and its wonders at the forefront. The event will have an art workshop recycling plastic into souvenirs, a zero-waste shop, live performances by singers, and lectures on sustainable practices in various aspects of life, from day-to-day living to art.
Dates: May 19 (4:00 p.m.)–May 28
Address: 101 Dump Gallery, Panfilov Street 101
Entrance: Free