EurasiaNet: What difficulties do artists face? Do they have problems supporting themselves?

Yuferova: Yes, that is why some of the artists try to produce so-called commercial paintings, and at the same time spend some time on developing new projects. Others apply for different grant programs. But unfortunately there are few organizations that are willing to support modern art. Most of them work with educational programs, or in the social field. That is why I believe that organizations like the Soros Center for Contemporary Arts [based in Almaty] is very important. It is one of the only institutions in the city that supports artists.