Goals

Problem statement:

Tusheti is a region Georgia takes pride in. With its rich culture and history, ancient traditions, architectural landmarks and herdsman way of life, it is a top tourist destination.

Even though its traditions and culture are highly valued by the inhabitants of Tusheti, modern life is causing significant damage. Contact between generations is disappearing. Traditions, songs, poems, handicraft are being lost.

Nowadays, people try to save time and simplify work using modern technologies. This is why the traditional way of life of the Tushetians is changing and disappearing. Many household items, oral storytelling and customs are being forgotten.

Proposed Solution:

Our organization “Tushuri Brand” was created in order to maintain, restore and give a new life to Tushetian culture. We will make an archive of traditional cultural practices free to the public. This project is part of a larger campaign to create a united platform to support all types of Tushetian cultural.

The archive will be internet and accessible to everyone. It will include photos, oral storytelling, songs, poems, traditional handmade craft, technologies, records, historical artifacts and other exhibits that represent Tushetian culture.

Each exhibit will undergo a registration process and the rights of their owners will be protected. At this stage, the local inhabitants are already being informed and collection of exhibits has begun. Tushetians of all ages are interested in the creation of an archive and willing to provide exhibits. A group of volunteers has been formed and need to be trained if the archive is to be in line with international standards.

In order for this project to be effective and achieve its goals, we seek financial support from the fund for: a) training of volunteers and b) purchase of technical equipment necessary for the project.

First stage: training of the volunteers (3 days). Equipment for the archive (1 week).
Second stage: categorization and registration of already collected materials (1 month).
Third stage: collection of new exhibits.

As we are ambitious in the scope of our project, we are also seeking funds from other organizations.

Sustainability:

Our wish is to make the archive accessible and popular for the local community as well as the general public. For this purpose, we plan to use the content in exhibitions, concerts, and publications.

A music school has already been financed and begun functioning in village Kvemo Alvani. The school program includes teaching unique folklore songs collected by us. A concert where these songs will be played for the first time is planned in the frame of the project for the upcoming spring. In addition, a thematic photo exhibition is planned to take place in Tbilisi and then Batumi.

The archive will help local businesses improve their products, make traditional and different from the other regions of Georgia. The archive and the program developed by us will promote creation of products that will be modern market-oriented and strongly specific to Tushetian culture.

We hope this project will significantly contribute to raising awareness about Tusheti, and, in its turn, help strengthen the local community.

Equal gender opportunity:

Everyone in Tusheti, men and women, is welcome to participate and will benefit. Additionally, we will showcase traditional male and female practices.