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Kutaisi International Literary Festival
I International Literary Festival „Kutaisi: Myth and Literature “
November 28-30, 2025
Kutaisi – Within the framework of the UNESCO City of Literature initiatives, the festival will promote both local and international literary dialogue. It serves as an important cultural platform that brings together Georgian and foreign researchers, writers, translators, and literature enthusiasts. The festival program includes panel discussions, book presentations, creative workshops, and various thematic events.
Main Program:
Panel I
“Kutaisi: Myth, History, Literature” examines Kutaisi’s literary image within the context of historical development—from ancient mythology through the Blue Horns era to the city’s representation in the works of European travelers.
Panel II
“Translation as Cultural Dialogue” is dedicated to the role of translation in the mutual understanding and deepening of literary cultures. The panel discusses translation as cultural mediation, the translational reception of Georgian literature, and the legacy of great Georgian translators.
Panel III
“Georgian-Western Literary Relations” aims to define Georgian literature’s place within the global literary context. Topics include Shakespeare on the Georgian stage, the role of the Wardrop siblings, globalization challenges, and the work of Georgian women writers.
Panel IV
“Literary Text in Intermedial Context” explores literature’s interaction with various forms of art—visual arts, cinema, music, and theater. Special attention is given to the theory and practice of intermediality.
Panel V
“21st Century Literary Innovations” focuses on contemporary literary innovations and trends. The panel examines the influence of digital technologies on literature, new achievements in Georgian poetry, postmodernist tendencies, and the relationship between global versus local narratives.
Parallel Program:
In parallel with the academic program, the festival will include working groups focusing on education, innovation, digital platforms, translation, and literary tourism.
The cultural program is diverse and features exhibitions such as “Georgian Illustration” and “Medieval Georgian Manuscripts,” a literary tour to Bagrati Cathedral and the city’s historic district, literary readings and discussions with readers, an open literary workshop titled “The Literary Portrait of the City,” as well as musical performances.
The festival will conclude with the adoption of the Kutaisi Literary Declaration, which will define the city’s role in literary development.
Academic sessions are free of charge but require registration, while cultural events are open to everyone.
Contact Information:
Festival Curator: Baia Koguashvili
Literary Scholar, Doctor of Philology
