'Defending the real Georgian dream'

Home Culture in Georgia: Defending the Real Georgian Dream

Two decades after the historic Pink Revolution, Georgia finds itself at a crossroads. One road leads to Europe with respect for human rights, a future that most Georgian citizens desire; the other road points to Russia, the authoritarian model preferred by Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party and its founder and current gray cardinal, Bidzina Ivanishvili.

In its new report, "Taming Culture in Georgia," PEN America documents the current Georgian government's desire to curb free speech and control the country's various cultural spheres. The movement toward authoritarianism often begins with''silencing artists and writers. Autocrats are well aware that cultural creativity influences public debate and contributes to dreams of a better world. This report is a wake-up call to the international community about Georgia's serious threat to further democratic backsliding.

The title of this report is taken from the award-winning film "The Taming of the Garden," directed by Georgian filmmaker Salome Zhashi. The film tells the story of a prominent man named "Ivanishvili" who organizes the replanting of century-old trees at his private villa. Bidzina Ivanishvili is said to be moving old trees to his private seaside estate. In light of today's political climate in Georgia, no one was surprised that the newly-minted supported''s government, the head of the Georgian National Film Center canceled screenings of this film, one of the many cases highlighted in this report. Artists and writers are subjected to repercussions when their work is seen as a threat to government interests.

Georgia boasts a rich and long cultural history that dates back to the Kura-Araxes culture in 4000 BC. It was the second country in the world, after France, to establish the movie industry; poets are national celebrities. Even 70 years of Soviet-era restrictions could not prevent Georgia's re-establishment as a center for the arts after independence. Artists, writers, filmmakers, poets and other cultural figures participate in''exhibitions and residencies, allowing them to play an important role in the development of a vibrant, democratic society based on shared values and fundamental human rights.

The future of this vibrant, open and democratic Georgia is now at risk. In 2021, Thea Tsulukani, a former justice minister and ardent supporter of the Georgian Dream party, took over as culture minister.

Despite all the disturbing news, Georgia is not a lost cause. The opportunity to change the trajectory is real, to become the truly independent country based on the rule of law and human rights that most Georgians aspire to. Our report contains several recommendations for the Georgian government, including the active implementation of the 12 priorities identified by the European Union for Georgia's candidacy, and''establishing independent expert bodies to support the principles of freedom and expression in the arts. At the same time, donor countries and private investors can help by increasing direct support for Georgia's cultural life and those who produce and protect it. Freedom of expression and artistic creativity go hand in hand, fueling curiosity, questioning established norms, and imagining a better future. Get updates on events, literary awards, freedom of expression issues and global news. Support the freedom to read with exclusive designs from Todd Parr, Mike Curato, Art Spiegelman, and more! Store. Are you an endangered artist or know someone who is? Reach out to the International Center''Helping artists at risk. What's new?