country
activities

Tbilisi

Dialogues on Management
April 23-25, 2002 and November 4-7, 2002

At the invitation of the Georgian Association of Professional Musicians (AISI), Jane Safer spearheaded the organization of a four-day seminar on management issues - The Fund's first - for a group of cultural leaders from various cities in Georgia. Forty leaders attended the seminar, which was held in April. Jane Safer, a museum consultant, Robert Jones, former President of the National Symphony Orchestra, and Jillian Poole shared ideas and experiences with the group. Representatives from the local and national governments also attended. The seminar was partially made possible with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy.

Jane Safer and Bob Jones in Tbilsi, Georgia

Seminar sessions focused on human resource management, budget preparation, and large project budgets that would require international funding. Public relations and fundraising techniques to support this programming were also discussed. Most important, the participants explored ways in which arts and culture groups can join together to address the societal challenges of current Georgia conditions.

The most significant outcome of these sessions was the establishment of an organization to continue discussions and joint planning. This organization, the Georgia Association of Cultural Managers, specifically requested that The Fund provide three more seminars.

Rusiko Matsaberidze (our host and organizer)

The second was held in Batumi in November. Jane Safer returned with Barbara Niemczyk, Director of "St. Petersburg 2003" at CEC International, and Kathleen Charla, a consultant with the St. Petersburg Orchestra. The seminar was sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Georgia and the Culture Fund of Adjara.

Kathleen, Jane and Barbara hard at work (Batumi State University)

The seminar focused on helping participants develop visitor-centered institutions by emphasizing interaction with the public, especially visitors and potential donors. Discussions over the four days included the need for creating a hospitable environment for visitors, developing mission, understanding and programming for visitors, and cultivating funding and potential sponsors. The seminar leaders were especially grateful to Maia Tsereteli, Director of the new Marriott Hotel in Tbilisi for agreeing to analyze her experiences in creating a visitor-friendly environment in a Georgian setting.

The Georgia Association of Culture Managers, which was initially established in April, was further developed and broadened during the seminar. Interestingly, the seminar received wide television coverage broadcast internationally, and newspaper coverage over the four days.

Future Projects: Two Arts Management Seminars