Culture as a source for economic development is widely recognized in international studies and practice. The cross-sector nature of culture, close connection to social and economic sectors and its role in stimulation of social, human and economic development is broadly reflected in international agendas, documents and regulations. In this regard the role of creative/cultural industries as a source for job creation and economic growth acquires the growing importance.
Although the concept of culture for economic development has been internationally accepted, it is still relatively new approach for the South Caucasus Countries, though the potential of the field is promising. The international conference “Notion of Culture as a Force for Economic Growth; New Approach for South Caucasus”, aims to introduce the notion of “culture economics” for South Caucasus Countries, to share Western professional experience and to raise public awareness on the perspectives of culture-economy integrated approach.
The conference topics might concern, but are not limited to such issues as:
- How culture and creative assets can be transformed into the source for South Caucasus Region’s development?
- What are the ways to encourage creativity and innovation?
- How heritage resources can be utilized to enhance growth and secure regional livelihood?
- How and to what extent governmental strategies and cultural policy can be modified to support culture for economy?
- Which industries could be potential driving force for South Caucasus Countries?
- Where do we see the role of Cultural entrepreneurs?
- What is, or could be the role of crafts in creative economy?
- What do we need to make crafts a vibrant industry?
The conference will include five sessions:
- Creativity and Innovation as an impetus for development
- Traditions and Cultural Heritage as a source for development
- Creative/Cultural Industries and their Economic Potential
- Cultural Policies towards Economic Development
- The Role of Crafts in Creative Economy
The internationally recognized experts of the field will lead the sessions. The conference welcomes contributions both from relevant theoretical and practice-based perspectives, including applicable successful stories or case studies. The conference will be followed by the publication of proceedings.
Conference Language: English and Russian
Application process and dates:
For participation please send short CV and abstract (maximum 300 words) to [email protected].
The deadline for the submission of abstracts is June 15, 2013.
The selected candidates will be contacted by late June 2013
Organizers will cover speakers’ participation fee including: Welcome reception, coffee breaks & lunch during the conference, closing event, entry to the proceedings and 2 copies of publication (except shipping costs).
Organizers:
International Conference will be held in the framework of EU Eastern Partnership Culture Programme’s project “Strengthening Creative Industries in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Heritage Crafts –Common Platform for Development”.
Project Leading Partner: Georgian Arts and Culture Center;
Project Partners: Economic Affairs Office Tbilisi City Hall, Georgian National Tourism Administration, Europe House, Arkanel (Armenia), Ekosfera (Azerbaijan)
Supporters: Ministry of Culture and Monuments Protection of Georgia, Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia.
Conference Co-organizers: Tbilisi State Academy of Arts
The joint Show-Contest of South Caucasus Crafts will be held in the framework of the conference with the aim to encourage innovative approaches to craft production. The professional Jury will award most innovative and market-oriented products.
For further information please contact:
Ana Shanshiashvili, [email protected] or Irina Mania [email protected]
Georgian Arts and Culture Centre
Address:7 Niko-Nikoladze str. 0108, Tbilisi, Georgia
Tel: (+995 32) 2931335, www.geccgeorgia.org
To download the Call for Speakers, click here.