Living Heritage Days 2026 is a three-day cultural event dedicated to the safeguarding, transmission, and sustainable development of traditional heritage. The first edition will take place in October 2026. It is organized by the Ministry of Culture, with the support of Tbilisi State Academy of Arts.

The inaugural edition of the event will focus on the theme of textile, highlighting its craftsmanship and contemporary relevance.  It will combine theoretical and practical components including a capacity-building workshop for students, artisans and crafts sector representatives. 

Textile as key element of Georgian crafts tradition

Textiles are one of the most important expressions of Georgian craft traditions, reflecting both everyday life and high artistic culture over centuries.
In Georgia, textile heritage includes weaving, embroidery, felt-making, and natural dyeing. Traditional techniques were passed down through generations, often within families and regional communities. Each region developed its own distinctive styles, patterns, and color palettes, influenced by local environment, beliefs, and social practices.
Wool and silk played a central role in Georgian textile production. Handwoven carpets, ritual cloths, clothing elements, and tablecloths were not only functional objects but also carriers of identity and symbolism. Many patterns were inspired by nature, religious motifs, and protective symbols, giving textiles a deeper cultural and sometimes spiritual meaning.
Georgian embroidery is especially notable for its fine detail and rich ornamentation, often decorating ceremonial garments and church textiles. Meanwhile, traditional weaving and carpet-making in regions such as Tusheti, Kakheti, Khevsureti, Kvemo Kartli and Adjara demonstrate strong regional diversity.
Today, Georgian textile traditions are increasingly seen as a bridge between heritage and contemporary design. Artists and designers reinterpret old techniques in modern fashion, art installations, and sustainable production, ensuring that this living heritage continues to evolve while preserving its cultural roots.

Objectives of the event: 

•    Foster safeguarding and revitalizing of traditional textile practices; 
•    Strengthen skills of artisans through international training; 
•    Facilitate integration of heritage into contemporary markets; 
•    Еxchange of knowledge and international best practices. 

The project will position textile not only as cultural expression, but as a driver of creative economy, connecting:

•    Traditional knowledge (weaving, embroidery, dyeing, etc.);
•    Contemporary design and innovation / best international practices ; 
•    Market access and entrepreneurship. 

With the involvement of international experts professional training, mentorship, and knowledge exchange will be provided in the framework of the event, ensuring alignment with global best practices.

The event integrates:

•    Capacity-building workshops (topics : technologies, innovations, opportunities, market needs ) and international knowledge transfer (i. e. Market access for artisans). 

Focus areas:

•    Design innovation rooted in tradition
•    Quality standards
•    Natural dyes and sustainable production
•    Branding, storytelling and product positioning
•    Professional Networking and Market Development. 

Programme

Day 1 – The History of Georgian Textiles
Day 2 – Georgian and International Case Studies

Presentations showcasing successful examples of textile heritage preservation, innovation, and contemporary applications from Georgia and abroad.

The future of textile heritage in a contemporary context.
•    Masterclass for students, focusing on the reinterpretation of traditional textile techniques through contemporary design and creative practice.

Text as provided by the organiser(s).