Presenting and showing stage design of different countries through international exhibition
Developing – training, sharing experience and knowledge about stage design through an educational programme MasterLab
Disseminating information on contemporary stage design
Platform
Biennale is an ambitious project aiming to become an important international platform for artistic and professional development, intercultural dialogue, mobility of stage designers, which is supporting contacts between representatives of different professions of performing and visual art. It is the platform for demonstrating and discussing new tendencies and processes in the field of scenography. Biennale is the unique platform created for young scenographers enabling them to present themselves and their projects, review and assess the ongoing process taking place in this specific field of art, share their creative ideas, participate in professional discussions, plan and develop joint projects. Recognizing the competitive pressure that young stage designers are experiencing, the Biennale seeks to give participants a worthy opportunity to present their talent and professional skills, to help them gain experience that will serve as an incentive for the future.
History
Tbilisi Biennale of Stage Design was first launched in 2016 with participation of four bordering countries in the Caucasus- Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russia.
In 2018, there were 7 countries participating in the Biennale, and the MasterLab was led by legendary Pamela Howard.
In 2020, the participants of international exhibition was the representatives from USA, Europe, the representatives of 12 Asian countries, and there was the representatives of 11 countries at the symposium. The participants from 12 countries of Europe, Asia and America: Armenia, Belarus, Canada, China, Georgia, Italy, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Russia, Poland, Serbia, Ukraine.
In 2022, the participants of international exhibition was the representatives from 9 countries of Europe, Asia and America: Belarus, Canada, China, Cyprus, Georgia, Italy, Serbia, Poland, Ukraine.
Structure of the Tbilisi International Biennale of Stage Design 2024
In 2024, Tbilisi International Biennale of Stage Design is organized by Valerian Gunia Union of Young Theatre Artists – OISTAT National Center of Georgia, for the fifth time. 25 September – 5 October, 2024
Tbilisi Biennale of Stage Design 2024 will take place on 25 September – 5 October, 2024, uniting two main activities:
International Exhibition of national and students’ expositions
International Scenography Symposium
International exhibition will take place physically at MOMA Tbilisi – Zurab Tsereteli Museum of Modern Art (Rustaveli Ave. 27, Tbilisi, Georgia).
The International Symposium will be held in a hybrid format from September 30th to October 2nd, 2024, as will take place physically at the National Library of the Parliament of Georgia (Location: Tbilisi, Lado Gudiashvili St. #7)
The symposium’s theme is “Culture and Crises,” aiming to explore the impact of crises on culture and theater, including recent events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and political crises challenging democratic norms. Topics of discussion include the impact of internal and external crises on culture, the role of theater during crises, and creative experiences amid crises. The working language is English.
General information
Valerian Gunia Union of Young Theatre Artists – OISTAT National Center of Georgia will hold the 5th Tbilisi International Biennale of Stage Design on 25 September – 5 October, 2024.
All participating countries are responsible for settling down organizational, artistic and financial issues related to presentation of their pavilions. Country exhibitions will be organized by the national curators who will be in charge of selecting the participating artists.
In 2024, the Biennale will focus on two separate sections of international exhibitions: professional and student’ shows.
International Exhibition of national and students’ expositions
International Exhibition of Tbilisi Biennale of Stage Design Consists of the curatorial expositions. Each country has the right to present one pavilion/exposition in each section.
International Scenography Symposium
International Scenography Symposium is part of the open forum of the Biennale. The symposium is dedicated to the discussion of modern trends in senography and problems of culture through crisis.
Speakers+
Topic+
Qualifying Criteria for Participants:
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in theatre, cinema, television, or multimedia scenography, including computer games
Selection by national curators of respective countries
National curators shall manage the organization of expositions of their countries.
Qualifying Criteria for Works:
Projects realized or premiered between 2020-2024
Acceptable forms of submission: sketches, photos, shows, videos, animations, installations, multimedia scenography, costumes, dummies, puppets, etc.
Foreign participants are advised to present original sketches at the Biennale. In case obtaining special permits for the export of works proves complicated, high-quality prints will also be accepted.
Selection Procedure:
Representatives of guest countries selected by national curators
Technical Conditions and Information:
Exhibition space provided by the Georgian party
Each country allocated 25 square meters of space in the main hall of the Museum (space with one wall only)
Installation duration: two full working days with 1 day for dismantling
Participants responsible for travel and exposition expenses
All specific technical and/or other requests and details must be agreed upon with the Georgian team of organizers and the representatives of the exhibition space prior to the commencement of the Biennale.
