What I Love About Tbilisi’s Growing Contemporary Art Scene

Over the last few years, as I’ve become more active as an artist, I’ve started to see Tbilisi differently. The more exhibitions, open studios, residencies and small art events I attend, the more I realize how much is constantly happening here, and you never really know where the next interesting conversation or idea will come from.

Why Tbilisi’s Art Scene Feels Different

What feels different to me now is the number of ways artists can actually become part of the scene. It is not only about established galleries anymore. Independent and artist-run spaces are creating opportunities for exhibitions, residencies and collaboration. Sisters Run Spaces, for example, combines an artist-run space in Tbilisi with residency programs and international collaborations. There also seems to be more room for artists who are still figuring out where they belong. Tbilisi Art Fair's HIVE program is a good example, it presents young and emerging artists selected through international applications. The fair brings this together with galleries, curated exhibitions and talks, creating a meeting point between the local scene and a wider international art community.

Another recent addition is the Tbilisi Youth Art Market, created specifically for young and unrepresented artists. What I find interesting is that it goes beyond simply displaying work: its 2026 program includes conversations about becoming a professional artist, building relationships with galleries and preparing for art fairs - very practical questions when you are at the beginning of developing your practice. Maybe this is what I like most about Tbilisi right now: the scene doesn't feel completely fixed. Larger events can connect Georgian artists with international galleries, curators and visitors, while smaller spaces allow for experimentation and community. As someone still finding my own place as an artist within it, being here while the scene itself is evolving feels especially exciting.

Why Tbilisi Art Community Matters to Me

For me, the best part of becoming more involved in Tbilisi’s art scene has been the people I’ve met along the way. Being surrounded by other artists constantly introduces me to new ways of thinking, creating and seeing things. Sometimes inspiration comes from an exhibition, but just as often it comes from a conversation in someone’s studio, sharing ideas over coffee, or simply seeing how another artist approaches their work. There are so many artists whose work and ideas I’d love to share, so I’ll dedicate my next journal post to some of the artists I’ve discovered and met in Tbilisi.