The European Union respects and promotes the unique culture of Georgia. This includes preserving cultural heritage, promoting and protecting cultural goods and traditions, and developing Georgia’s creative sector. Since 2015, Georgia participates in the EU’s ‘Creative Europe’ programme, which supports the development of cultural, creative and audio-visual sectors. The current phase of Creative Europe aims to support the news media sector and use of technologies, as well as strengthen the resilience of media and audio-visual industries.
The EU works closely with several Georgian municipalities to develop and promote local culture across the country. These municipalities include Kutaisi, Poti and Zugdidi so that they can explore the potential of their cultural and creative sectors and implement cultural activities that bring positive changes for their communities and beyond. Through this work, culture becomes a key element of the sustainable development and economic growth of cities.
The EU helps preserve Georgian traditions by supporting and offering opportunities for small businesses that trade traditional products and heritage crafts. This entails supporting local producers’ ambition to trade with their European counterparts with confidence by investing in equipment, standards, trainings, and processes that help them preserve cultural traditions while generating income. EU assisted producers improve the working conditions for their communities and offer their local customers services and products of better quality.
The EU also contributes to sustainable growth and employment in the creative industries by facilitating capacity building, networking and collaboration opportunities, and providing funding opportunities, with a special focus on regional cities and towns in Georgia.
Finally, the EU supports the Georgian film industry through the Georgian Film Cluster launched in 2017. This cluster is an officially registered entity that brings together leading professionals in film production and post-production who share a common vision for promotion of the Georgian film industry. Cluster members join forces in boosting international linkages and advancing the interests of the industry locally and internationally. Cluster also contributes to public-private dialogue and advocates for changes to the existing tax legislation.