ETHNOFEST 2016

Tbilisi 1st International Summit of Traditional Crafts and Design – ETHNOFEST 2016 was held on September 23, 24, 25 at Expo Georgia. The project implemented by the Georgian Arts and Culture Center (GACC) within the framework of the EU program -Investing in People- was the first large-scale crafts exhibition within the South Caucasus region. Along with local participants, the summit welcomed artisans from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey gathering 16 participants in total, 7 international experts, and approximately 10000 visitors.

Workshops, meetings, public lectures, presentations, and various activities were held throughout 3 days with the purpose of helping artisans to get acquainted with the tendencies of the international market.

Public Presentations:

• Tracy Clark (UK)- Exporting crafts items to the international market; cultural differences, prices, transportation
• Karen Gibbs (USA)- Crafting business and the global market
• Henna Wang (UK)- Strong connections between tourism and crafts market
• Paloma Suarez Gordillo (UK)- Tourism in craft studios and its potential for Georgia
• Ekaterina Sisfontes (Sweden)- Participation in high design and jewelry shows for beginners
• Simon Machabeli- Path From Local To International Brand

Workshops:

·      Assaad Awad (Spain), Samer Yamani (Spain)- Innovation in cultural heritage

·      Karen Gibbs (USA)- Handmade marketing: Rising artisan brands and why they are catching our attention

Within Ethnofest The Best Stand contest was held, which included 5 nominations: Best Stand, Best Exposition, Best Communication, Innovation, Restoration of Traditions. The winners were awarded during the closing ceremony of the summit.

ETHNOFEST 2016 was co-organized and co-funded by The Reserve Fund of the President of Georgia, Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia, Tbilisi City Council, Tbilisi City Hall, Entrepreneurship Development Agency, Georgian National Tourism Agency, Georgian Heritage Crafts Association, Tbilisi State Academy of Arts, Georgian Center for Strategic Research and Development, US Embassy in Georgia, Swiss Cooperation Office in the South Caucasus and Tbilisi Contemporary Dance and Experimental Art Festival.