Georgia possesses one of the most ancient cultures in the world, with early Paleolithic sites dating from approximately 2 million years ago. Numerous archaeological sites speak eloquently of the advanced state of Georgian civilization, including skilled works in bronze, silver and gold. Georgia's importance as a trade region has also meant a wide influx of Persian, Greek Roman and Byzantine traditions into Georgia, which the Georgians skillfully incorporated into their culture while retaining its uniqueness. Christianity became Georgia's official religion in the Fourth Century AD and the Georgian Church became autonomous in the Sixth Century, drawing on its Byzantine history and forming its own centers of learning. This autonomy, as well as exposure to Near Eastern artistic traditions, has resulted in the development of a distinctly Georgian style of medieval art. Today, however, many of Georgia's cultural monuments are badly neglected and in a state of disrepair, thus necessitating urgent action to save them as rapidly as possible.
The "Save Georgian Cultural Heritage" program, started in 1996, is conducted by the Georgian Arts and Culture Center in conjunction with a number of other institutions such as governmental institutions, and international conservation agencies to provide diagnostic studies, coordination of conservation and restoration works, and increased cooperation between international and Georgian restorers to improve restoration techniques.
Goals and Objectives:
• To preserve Georgian cultural heritage.
• To coordinate the activities of the cultural heritage initiative on national and international levels.
• To carry out diagnostic studies, research, and conservation activities for Georgian historical monuments.
• To encourage the use of international conservation practice in Georgia through the development of exchanges between Georgian and international restorers.
• To support the strengthening of the management and financial structures of Georgian cultural institutions.
• To engage in fundraising for the preservation and conservation of Georgian historical art.
NEWS:
GACC started conservation of the Martvili Frescos. The project is funded by the Getty Foundation.
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