The Nomadic Art Camp 2015 brought together young artists and art students from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, France, Switzerland, and Germany to explore the themes of sustainable management of mountain resources and landscapes. Held in August, the artists lived in yurts for two weeks along the shore of the stunning Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. This immersive experience encouraged participants to engage deeply with both the natural environment and the traditional nomadic lifestyle. Through their visual art, the artists sought to address key questions surrounding the preservation of natural wealth, the role of traditional knowledge, and the sustainable management of mountain resources. The choice of yurts as the artists’ accommodation was a strategic one. As traditional nomadic dwellings, yurts symbolize a harmonious relationship with nature, reflecting sustainable living practices that have long been embedded in the nomadic way of life. Living in these portable homes, the artists were directly immersed in the rhythms of nomadic culture and its deep connection to the land. The Issyk-Kul region’s unspoiled beauty, surrounded by majestic mountains and clear waters, provided a perfect backdrop for artists to reflect on ecological preservation and resource management.

The core objective of the camp was to inspire the artists to reflect on their personal experiences and impressions of the natural surroundings and the traditional nomadic lifestyle. The artists were encouraged to express their thoughts through various art forms such as painting, sculpture, photography, and installation. Their works explored the relationship between human beings and the environment, addressing issues such as the balance between preserving natural resources and the pressures of modern development. Key themes explored in the artworks included: How traditional knowledge can contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources. The unique challenges nomadic cultures face in preserving their lifestyle while adapting to modern pressures. How contemporary art can raise awareness of biodiversity and the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems in the face of environmental degradation.

A central aspect of the project was to highlight traditional ecological knowledge (TEK)—the practices passed down through generations of nomadic communities that enable sustainable resource management. These practices, which emphasize balance with nature, were explored through dialogue with local nomads. The artists gained valuable insights into how nomadic communities have managed resources sustainably despite limited access to modern technologies. The project underscored the importance of preserving these traditional practices not only as cultural heritage but also as vital contributions to the global conversation on environmental sustainability. By bringing together artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, the camp fostered a cross-cultural dialogue on sustainability. The artworks produced by the participants became powerful tools for communicating the importance of protecting both natural resources and cultural traditions.

The exhibition of these works, including at the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts in Bishkek, provided a platform for the artists to present their messages to a broader audience. Through their art, they raised awareness about sustainable resource management and the preservation of cultural heritage, contributing to the global dialogue on sustainability and environmental conservation as a vital intersection of art, culture, and sustainability.