AGP Executive Report

Surrogacy Debate: Georgia has become a destination for international clients since Russia barred foreigners from surrogacy contracts in 2022. Births through surrogacy rose from about 300 in 2021 to more than 1,100 in 2023, raising questions about parenthood and protections for surrogate mothers. Art & Public Space: Tbilisi plans to spend nearly GEL 274,000 restoring or recreating 50 miniature bronze sculptures on Rustaveli Avenue, where damaged and missing works have become a point of contention. Creative Industry: Georgian agency Playmakers won the Grand Prix at Ad Black Sea for “Prescription: The Truth,” along with two Gold awards. Heritage & Arts: Asureti is working to preserve its German heritage, while a Ukrainian artist will bring a Pirosmani-inspired project to Georgia. TBC Concept Gallery is also presenting Irina Jibuti’s first solo exhibition.

Culture and Community: During Europe Day in Kakheti, the EU announced €38 million in projects supporting education, jobs, small towns, women and vulnerable communities. The Telavi event brought residents together through culture, food and discussion. Creative Industries: Georgian agency Playmakers’ “Prescription: The Truth” won the Grand Prix at Batumi’s Ad Black Sea festival, which marked its 10th anniversary. Tbilisi Heritage: The city plans to spend nearly GEL 274,000 restoring or recreating 50 miniature sculptures on Rustaveli Avenue. Sculptor Levan Bujiashvili says 29 were damaged and 21 are missing, while disputing claims that the avenue’s renovation caused the damage. Living History: A feature on Asureti highlights efforts to preserve the Georgian village’s German heritage.**

Running: Georgian athlete David Kharazishvili won the third stage of the Khankandi Ultramarathon, leading the men’s race for a third consecutive stage. Tbilisi Art: City Hall plans to spend nearly GEL 274,000 restoring or recreating 50 miniature sculptures on Rustaveli Avenue; their sculptor says 29 are damaged and 21 missing, though accounts differ over when they were removed or lost. Creative Industry: Georgian agency Playmakers’ campaign for PSP won the Grand Prix at Ad Black Sea’s 10th festival in Batumi. Cultural Heritage: Asureti residents are working to preserve the village’s German heritage, while a Ukrainian artist is bringing a Pirosmani-inspired project to Georgia.

Civic Life: Tbilisi demonstrations continued for a 681st evening, with protesters demanding accountability for alleged police abuse, the release of detainees and free elections. Media and Speech: Transparency International Georgia says the communications regulator has objected to 93 distinct terms used by critical broadcasters, including “regime” and “political prisoners.” Heritage: Asureti residents and researchers are preserving the village’s Swabian German legacy, shaped by settlers who arrived in 1817 and were deported under Soviet rule in the 1940s. Art and Memory: A Ukrainian artist will bring a Pirosmani-inspired project on memory and demining to Georgia. Cultural Exchange: Days of Armenian Culture are planned in Georgia, as Armenia and Georgia seek closer cooperation in culture. City Life: Tbilisi’s new craft brewery and beer garden, Ishvi, has opened. Women’s Rights: Police detained a second person in a month in Marneuli on suspicion of forcing a teenager into marriage.

Child Marriage: A grandmother in Marneuli has been detained on suspicion of forcing her underage granddaughter to marry, the second such arrest in the area in a month. Protests and Accountability: Demonstrators in Tbilisi continued to demand the release of political prisoners and investigations into alleged police violence; prosecutors have opened a probe into claims involving activist Sergi Kancheli. Arts and Heritage: A Ukrainian artist is bringing a Pirosmani-inspired project to Georgia, while Days of Armenian Culture are also planned in the country. Regional Culture: Adjara and Turkey’s Artvin region discussed expanding cultural, educational and humanitarian projects alongside closer tourism ties. On Stage: Demand for puppet-theatre tickets is high for the third year running, with audiences again facing a scramble to get seats.

Police Accountability: Tbilisi’s daily pro-European protest reached its 680th day as demonstrators demanded the release of political prisoners and an investigation into alleged police violence. Prosecutors have opened a probe into activist Sergi Kancheli’s claims that officers assaulted and threatened him. Art for Ukraine: An October 18 exhibition and auction near Tbilisi will feature Ukrainian artist Sima Vassilieva’s Pirosmani-inspired work, with proceeds supporting humanitarian demining in Ukraine. Tbilisi Homes: Mortgage lending is surging as apartments grow costlier: Georgian banks issued nearly 40,000 new mortgages worth 4.1 billion lari in the first eight months of 2026, while the average loan rose to about 104,000 lari. Armenian Cultural Days: An Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra concert at Tbilisi’s Paliashvili Opera House brought Georgian, Armenian and Czech music together, with Georgian composer Zakaria Paliashvili opening the program.

Police Accountability: Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into activist Sergi Kancheli’s allegations that police assaulted and threatened him. Heritage: Georgian specialists may join restoration work at a Georgian church in Russia, with the Patriarchate saying discussions are at an early stage. Armenian Culture Days: Tbilisi is hosting concerts and an exhibition on artist Yervand Kochar, alongside talks on deeper cultural cooperation between Georgia and Armenia. Tbilisi Nights: Craft brewery and beer garden Ishvi opens near Mushtaidi Garden on October 9, pairing small-batch beer with food and live music. Stage & Dance: Another annual scramble for puppet-theater tickets is underway, while Baku’s tango marathon, running October 8–12, is set to welcome dancers from Georgia and other countries.

Tbilisi’s New Beer Garden: Craft brewery Ishvi opens near Mushtaidi Garden on Oct. 9, pairing small-batch beer with a kitchen, courtyard and live music. Theater Buzz: The annual scramble for puppet-theater tickets is back for a third year, a sign of the show’s local following. Protest Watch: Demonstrators gathered outside Parliament for the 679th consecutive day, calling for political prisoners’ release and protesting prison abuse and the government’s policies. Arts & Heritage: TBC Concept Gallery is presenting Irina Jibuti’s first solo exhibition, while Erekleoba celebrations put the spotlight on King Erekle II’s legacy in Georgian statehood, education and theater.

Tbilisoba: Journalist and diplomat Nugzar B. Ruhadze has been named an honorary citizen of Tbilisi, among 32 people recognized during the city’s annual celebrations. Culture Funding: A new report says state-owned Starring Georgia received 42.6 million lari in public funding in 2025 ahead of its Kanye West concert; the artist’s fee and key contract details remain undisclosed. Prison Protests: Demonstrators in Tbilisi called for accountability over alleged abuse of inmates, backing prisoner Giorgi Davitadze, who has accused guards of sexual violence. The Penitentiary Service denies his claims. On the Ice: Georgian skaters took top honors at Batumi’s Trialeti Trophy: Diana Davis and Gleb Smolkin won ice dance, Nika Egadze claimed the men’s title, and Olympic silver medalists Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava won pairs.

Surrogacy Debate: Germany’s Jens Spahn quit after backlash over his U.S. surrogacy—highlighting a legal double standard where surrogacy is banned at home but children born abroad can be recognized in Germany. Arts & Culture: TBC Concept Gallery opens Irina Jibuti’s first solo show, “From Earth to Fire, From Earth to Earth,” using Georgian clays as both research and art material (9 Oct–14 Nov). Italian Cuisine Week: The Italian Embassy’s gala dinner in Tbilisi celebrated UNESCO-listed Italian Cuisine Week, bringing Puglia’s flavors and live music to Georgia’s cultural scene. Exhibitions & Education: TBC Concept Gallery’s earth-focused ceramics show joins a growing calendar of local arts programming, while Georgia’s higher-education ties expand via a BSU–Caucasus International University MoU for joint projects and exchanges. Sports Spotlight: Eter Liparteliani reached the World Judo Championships women’s final in Baku, securing Georgia a second medal. Public Life: Georgian Dream asks the Constitutional Court to ban five opposition parties, with a decision expected by June 2027. Migration Watch: Georgia expelled about 3,300 foreign nationals this year as enforcement against “illegal migration” tightens.

Italian Cuisine Week in Tbilisi: The Italian Embassy’s gala dinner at “Republic” drew 150+ guests, spotlighting Apulian flavors and live music by Natia Svanadze and Giorgi Tsintsadze. Constitutional Court showdown: Georgian Dream has asked the Constitutional Court to ban five opposition parties, including Unity—National Movement and Coalition for Change, raising fresh concerns about political space ahead of elections. Art & education: TBC Concept Gallery opens Irina Jibuti’s first solo show, “From Earth to Fire, From Earth to Earth,” built around Georgia-sourced clays and their transformation. Identity in Abkhazia’s Gali: A new report looks at how “Victory Day” is remembered differently in Gali, where ethnic Georgians face language and movement barriers. Local business & culture: Credo Bank signed a GEL 120M loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank to expand regional MSME financing, including women-owned businesses. Housing promo: Archi’s “Big Discount Day” for Archi Grand Avenue is set for Oct. 24, with a one-day apartment offer and a revitalized historic factory.

Pro-European protests in Tbilisi and Batumi: Georgia’s pro-EU demonstrators kept up their 677th night of rallies, calling for political prisoners’ release, an end to prison torture, repeal of repressive laws, and a return to Euro-Atlantic integration. Border talks with Azerbaijan and Armenia: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says Georgia is working on delimitation and demarcation with both neighbors, including the Gareji monastery dispute, in a “friendly atmosphere.” Education & youth: Georgia’s public school class of 2026 posted higher overall SAT results, with math up and reading/writing slightly down. STEM spotlight: A Georgian student robotics team will represent the country at the 2026 FIRST Global Challenge in South Korea, tackling wildfire-related challenges. Culture & heritage: The Shaki International Theatre Festival (Azerbaijan) continues as a regional exchange hub, bringing productions from multiple countries. Community health: BAIN’s Center for Independent Living staff and consumers trained together in CPR, aiming to improve emergency readiness in rural areas. Business & inclusion: Credo Bank and the Asian Development Bank signed a GEL 120 million deal to expand local-currency financing for MSMEs outside Tbilisi, including women entrepreneurs.

Georgian diplomacy: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says Georgia is working on border delimitation and demarcation with both Azerbaijan and Armenia, including the Gareji dispute, stressing talks are happening “in a friendly atmosphere.” Human rights & prisons: Giorgi Davitadze’s family says he swallowed an unidentified object in protest amid alleged pressure in Rustavi Penitentiary Establishment No. 6, while his mother demands urgent action. Culture & city life: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze named 32 people Honorary Citizens of Tbilisi during Tbilisoba, spanning medicine, journalism, sports, music, theatre and science. Sports spotlight: Georgian gymnast Vladimir Gogoladze, a 1988 Olympic champion known for a historic triple back somersault, has died at 60. Regional culture: Armenia approved plans and funding for two UEFA-advised stadium projects for the 2029 Youth World Cup in Vanadzor and Ijevan. International arts: A Georgian festival win is noted as filmmaker Mohammed al Kindi takes a jury prize at a Georgia festival.

Diplomacy & Identity: Georgia’s Foreign Minister summoned Iran’s ambassador over remarks about canonized Queen Ketevan, with officials saying the post went beyond diplomatic norms and fueled public sentiment. Protests & Civic Life: On the 675th day of daily demonstrations, a Saturday march on Rustaveli Avenue drew crowds with EU and Georgian flags, calling for policy change and “freedom for regime prisoners,” including many families and children. Culture & Film: Tbilisi’s Art & Travel International Film Festival (ATIFF) wrapped with Omani filmmaker Mohammed al Kindi winning a jury special prize for “Roofs,” praised for portraying Oman’s hospitality. Sports & Arts on Ice: Batumi hosted the Trialeti Trophy Challenger Series, where Georgian skaters won gold in ice dance (Diana Davis/Gleb Smolkin) and men’s singles (Nika Egadze). Regional Spotlight: ALDE urged EU targeted sanctions over Georgia’s repression and the closure of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Tbilisi office.

Protests & Political Prisoners: UNM leader Ana Tsitlidze vowed to keep walking the same path after last year’s Oct. 4 “People’s Assembly” rally, calling for freedom for political prisoners and framing the day as resistance and unity. EU Pressure on Civil Society: ALDE urged the EU to impose targeted sanctions over Georgia’s repression, spotlighting the forced closure of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Tbilisi office after a rejected grant. City Culture: Tbilisoba 2026 returns with two days of music, food and traditions across central locations, including a “Tbilisi Diversity” fair featuring the Azerbaijani community and Borchali carpets. Sports & Ice Culture: In Batumi’s Trialeti Trophy, Georgian skaters Diana Davis/Gleb Smolkin won ice dance gold and Nika Egadze took men’s singles gold. Heritage & Identity: A piece on Rustaveli’s “Knight in the Panther’s Skin” highlights its enduring Georgian cultural role and its surprising literary bridge to India. Local Life in Abkhazia: Villagers in Gagra’s Gagra district say a badly damaged bridge in Makhadyr remains unresolved despite earlier inspections, warning of ongoing safety risks for children.

Pro-European Protest Culture: On the 675th day of daily demonstrations, marchers in Tbilisi rallied under the slogan “Georgia against Ivanishvili,” waving Georgian and EU flags and calling for political prisoners’ release—reportedly with many children joining alongside parents. Civil Society Under Pressure: The ALDE Party urged the EU to impose targeted sanctions over Georgia’s repression and democratic backsliding, spotlighting the closure of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Tbilisi office after a rejected grant. Sports & National Pride: Georgian skaters shone at the Trialeti Trophy in Batumi—Diana Davis and Gleb Smolkin won ice dance gold, while Nika Egadze took men’s singles gold. Local Festival Life: Tbilisoba-2026 is set for Oct. 3–4 across central Tbilisi spots, with food, music, craft fairs, and a “Tbilisi Diversity” corner featuring the Azerbaijani community’s culture and cuisine. Regional Education Ties: Türkiye and Georgia signed an education cooperation deal in Tbilisi, aiming at reciprocal institution links, language teaching, and recognition of diplomas.