CALL FOR CONFERENCE PAPERS

“NOTION OF CULTURE AS A FORCE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, NEW APPROACH FOR SOUTH CAUCASUS”

Culture as a source for economic development is widely recognized in
international studies and practice. The cross-sector nature of
culture, close connection to social and economic sectors and its role
in stimulation of social, human and economic development is broadly
reflected in international agendas, documents and regulations. In this
regard the role of creative/cultural industries as a source for job
creation and economic growth acquires the growing importance. Although
the concept of culture for economic development has been
internationally accepted, it is still relatively new approach for the
South Caucasus Countries, though the potential of the field is
promising.

The international conference “Notion of Culture as a Force for
Economic Growth; New Approach for South Caucasus”, aims to introduce
the notion of “culture economics” for South Caucasus Countries, to
share Western professional experience and to raise public awareness on
the perspectives of culture economy integrated approach.

The conference topics might concern, but are not limited to such
issues as:

- How culture and creative assets can be transformed into the source
for South Caucasus Region’s development?
- What are the ways to encourage creativity and innovation?
- How heritage resources can be utilized to enhance growth and secure
regional livelihood?
- How and to what extent governmental strategies and cultural policy
can be modified to support culture for economy?
- Which industries could be potential driving force for South Caucasus
Countries?
- Where do we see the role of Cultural entrepreneurs?
- What is, or could be the role of crafts in creative economy?
- What do we need to make crafts a vibrant industry?

The conference will include five sessions:

1. Creativity and Innovation as an impetus for development
2. Traditions and Cultural Heritage as a source for development
3. Creative/Cultural Industries and their Economic Potential
4. Cultural Policies towards Economic Development
5. The Role of Crafts in Creative Economy

The internationally recognized experts of the field will lead the
sessions. The conference welcomes contributions both from relevant
theoretical and practice-based perspectives,including applicable
successful stories or case studies. The conference will be followed by
the publication of proceedings. Conference Language: English and
Russian

Application process and dates: For participation please send short CV
and abstract (maximum 300 words) to anogaccgeorgia.org.

The deadline for the submission of abstracts is June 15, 2013 The
selected candidates will be contacted by late June 2013

Organizers will cover speakers’ participation fee including: Welcome
reception, coffee breaks & lunch during the conference, closing event,
entry to the proceedings and 2 copies of publication (except shipping
costs).

Organizers: International Conference will be held in the framework of
EU Eastern Partnership Culture Programme’s project “Strengthening
Creative Industries in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Heritage
Crafts – Common Platform for Development”. Project Leading Partner:
Georgian Arts and Culture Center; Project Partners: Economic Affairs
Office Tbilisi City Hall, Georgian National Tourism Administration,
Europe House, Arkanel (Armenia), Ekosfera (Azerbaijan)

Supporters: Ministry of Culture and Monuments Protection of Georgia,
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia.

Conference Co-organizers: Tbilisi State Academy of Arts

The joint Show-Contest of South Caucasus Crafts will be held in the
framework of the conference with the aim to encourage innovative
approaches to craft production. The professional Jury will award most
innovative and market-oriented products.

For further information please contact: Ana Shanshiashvili,
anogaccgeorgia.org or Irina Mania irinagaccgeorgia.org Georgian Arts
and Culture Centre Address:7 Niko-Nikoladze str. 0108, Tbilisi,
Georgia Tel: (+995 32) 2931335, www.geccgeorgia.org