On September 28, Tradicitional Craft and Design Summit – Ethno Fest 2018 was opened at The Exhibition Centre - “Expo Georgia”, organized by the International Art Center. The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport of Georgia – Mikheil Giorgadze, Irakli Gvilava, the head of the Culture Development of the City Hall, the representative of the “Invest in Georgia” agency – Tatia Bidzinashvili, the Ambassador of Netherlands to Georgia – Jos Douma, and the representative of the United States Embassy to Georgia – Jeff Reno, attended the event.

The aim of the “Ethno-Fest” is to promote and develop one of the most important domains of traditional crafts in Georgia and the South Caucasus.Within the scope of the summit, various exhibitions will be held in the regions of Georgia, as well as exhibiting the largest and the most modern handmade items.

Moreover, various international experts will conduct trainings and consultation on the requirements of the international market, product development, perspectives and current trends. A competition will be held for the best stand.

In parallel with the Summit Program, three different educational exhibitions will be opened at Expo-Georgia Pavilion, with the participation of the Georgian Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts - "Tissues from Georgia".

The Summit will enhance the diversity and competitiveness of local production and design of the traditional production and its integration to the international market, develop a new international platform of cooperation, which will present local producers to international experts, buyers and the general public.

The aim of Ethno-Fest is:

Target audience of the project is composed of traditional craftsmen and organizations, designers, tourists and local consumers, businesses related to traditional craft and design, representatives of neighboring industries, vocational educational institutions, and the general public.

More than 100 Georgian masters will be gathered in one space within the "Ethno-Fest 2018" framework whilst presenting handmade items:

- Textile Products (Silk, Felt and Other);

- Jewelry (silver, gold, enamel and other material);

- Leather Products and Accessories;

- Wood and metal items;

- Pottery and clay crafting;

- Mixed Technology and Products