About - ITI-Georgia

The International Theatre Institute – Georgian Centre (ITI-Georgia) is the national platform representing Georgia within the global network of the International Theatre Institute, operating under the mission and principles of UNESCO.

ITI-Georgia supports the development of theatre, dance, and performance in Georgia through international cooperation, education, cultural exchange, archiving, and advocacy for artistic freedom.

Our centre brings together artists, institutions, researchers, educators, cultural operators, and international partners, strengthening Georgia’s visibility on the global performing-arts map.ITI-Georgia represents the Georgian performing-arts community within this global structure. It functions as a professional, non-profit cultural organisation dedicated to artistic collaboration, education, documentation, and international exchange.

our

Mission & Vision

ITI-Georgia promotes theatre, dance, and performance as essential cultural and educational forces. Our mission is to support artistic development, expand international cooperation, strengthen performing-arts education, preserve cultural heritage, and uphold artistic freedom and cultural diversity. We envision a cultural ecosystem where performing-arts professionals in Georgia can:

Create freely and safely
Participate in international dialogue
Access education and exchange opportunities

Contribute to cultural diplomacy
Preserve, document, expand Georgia’s theatrical heritage

our

Background

Founded in 1948 by UNESCO and international experts in theatre and dance.

ITI was created on the initiative of the first UNESCO Director General, Sir Julian Huxley, and the playwright and novelist, JB Priestly in 1948, just after the Second World War, and at the beginning of the Cold War, when the Iron Curtain divided the East and the West.

They envisaged an organization that created platforms for international exchange and for engagement in the education of the performing arts, for beginners and professionals alike, as well as using the performing arts for mutual understanding and peace.

ITI has now developed into the world’s largest organization for the performing arts, with around 80 Centres spread across every continent.