President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili, welcomed the Tbilisi Art Fair guests to the Orbeliani Palace and expressed her support for Georgian contemporary art and artists.
In her remarks, President Zourabichvili once again emphasized the importance of Georgian culture in the socio-political development of the nation. She underlined that sharing culture and creativity serves as a driving force and energy for the Georgian people.
“I am pleased to have so many guests today. First and foremost, I want to extend my congratulations on Mother Language Day. This is very important to all of us because it is something that unites us all and which gives us so much strength. Our remarkable language has endured for centuries and will be our strength and energy for a long time to come.
Our culture is also our strength and energy and I am delighted that today we have the opportunity to celebrate together the opening of the Tbilisi Art Fair, which takes place in Tbilisi for the fourth time.
The significance of today is understood by everyone. TAF brings together both local and international gallerists and artists. This union, exchange of innovation, and sharing of creative thoughts contribute to the historic purpose and essence of this city and the country. Tbilisi has always been the capital of culture in the Caucasus, and this remains its primary role. Through this, Tbilisi unites the entire Caucasus, a role that holds immense importance for the future. We will probably see the extent of its significance in this regard in the years to come.
It is also crucial that we talk a lot and not get tired of talking about Europe and Georgia’s European future. Georgia’s European future is when Europe is alongside us too and TAF serves as the space and occasion where Europe stands with us. This is the modernity that instils in us a profound belief that we are no longer isolated from the European processes; the Black Sea no longer serves as a barrier dividing us from the rest of the modern and civilized world. Today, the Black Sea is what unites us, offering hope that we will soon be one big family, characterized by the primary symbol of Europe: each with their own identity, language, culture, and freedom.
I would like to seize this opportunity to award the organizers and initiators of this event I remember how challenging it was to start all of this, but the most difficult is to continue, develop, grow, and strengthen, and this is precisely what you have achieved flawlessly. The entire Georgian cultural community should express gratitude and take pride in your accomplishments, as you have done this for us. Thank you both immensely!” stated President Zourabichvili as she awarded the Medal of Honor to Kakha Gvelesiani, Tbilisi Art Fair founder, and Eric Schlosser, Tbilisi Art Fair art director.
A collaborative performance “Art – memory of culture and vision of the future”, featuring Georgian designer Irakli Nasidze and the National Ballet of Georgia “Sukhishvili” was showcased in the palace for the invited guests.
The Gori Women’s choir and the ensemble of “Shavnabada” also performed for the guests a composition inspired by Georgian folk music – “The European Union Anthem”.
