In the years following their break from Soviet control, Georgia has been eager to establish its place in the greater cultural conversation. It is no surprise that a country filled with a history of deeply-rooted tradition has no shortage of creativity — the artists and designers that reside in the bohemian city of Tbilisi are what give it its grit and character, and also its sense of community. A country that has four customs catalogued in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage listing is proof enough — their tradition of polyphonic singing makes beautifully-harmonized singing as ubiquitous at dinner parties as drinking wine (which they also are credited with inventing over 8,000 years ago). Thus, poetic tendencies and an appreciation for beauty, is in the DNA.
For the many years under Soviet control, Georgia’s connection to the outside world was quite limited — the lack of outside influence allowing for its own unique identity to prosper. In recent years, the creative scene in Tbilisi has flourished, with a few key figures determined to make up for lost time, putting Georgia rightfully on the map in terms of art and culture. Through a myriad of public art programs, residencies that invite international artists and writers to spend time in the capital, and galleries that highlight Georgian artists, the artists and creatives of Tbilisi are eager to create a legacy for Georgia that cements a permanent place in art history and culture.