Tbilisi in the morning

I am visiting Tbilisi, Georgia this week at the invitation of Creative Initiatives, a new organization “dedicated to leading the process of commercialization in Georgia’s creative industries by merging the rich cultural traditions of the region with viable international business practices.” I will be leading a workshop for students and faculty of the Free University, Georgian Institute of Public Affairs, Tbilisi State Academy of Arts and Ilia State University and then keynoting their First Annual Creative Industries Conference.

My first impression of Georgia, the result of a ride from the airport is that CULTURE MATTERS. The main street here is Rustaveli Street – not named for a general or political leader, but a 12^th century Georgian poet.