context

The dramatic results of the destructive processes of the end of the 20th century in the Caucasus had a negative impact on Georgia and its mountain regions. In the recent past Ratcha, a picturesque mountain region in Georgia, faced the threat of being deserted. The population, suffering from extreme poverty, moved to urban areas in order to survive.

Recently, living conditions have improved in Ratcha. Positive changes, attention and effective efforts from government have returned hope to the population.

Unfortunately, the Ratcha region is still completely isolated from the art processes taking place in the rest of Georgia. The only source of information for the region is a few TV channels. There are no galleries or exhibitions there. Craftsmanship and art schools are neglected. Except for some very rare events, the cultural life of the region is in a vacuum.

New, relatively small but very flexible and effective, centres such as “ARTELI RATCHA”, are trying to bring new energy to the cultural life of the region.

Our initiative aims to stimulate the cultural life of the local population. We would like to help our youth get acquainted with contemporary art through interaction and cooperation with professional artists and art critics.

The aim of the “ARTELI RATCHA” project ‘Artists for Ratcha’ is to plan and organize dialogue, master classes and discussions between Georgian and international artists and a local audience.