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.
In 2026, the participants of national and students’ expositions were the representatives from 10 countries of Europe, Asia and America: Belarus, Canada, China, Cyprus, Georgia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Ukraine.
Structure of the Tbilisi International Biennale of Stage Design 2026
In 2026, Tbilisi International Biennale of Stage Design is organized by Valerian Gunia Union of Young Theatre Artists – OISTAT National Center of Georgia, for the sixth time. 7 October to 17 October 2026.
Tbilisi Biennale of Stage Design 2026 will take place from 7 October to 17 October 2026, uniting three main activities:
International Exhibition of Professional and Students’ Expositions (Mixed formats – in-person/online, including photography and video – are accepted)
MasterLab – Educational Programme (Lectures and masterclasses)
International exhibition will take place physically at MOMA Tbilisi – Zurab Tsereteli Museum of Modern Art (Rustaveli Ave. 27, Tbilisi, Georgia).
MasterLab will take place physically at the Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film Georgia State University (Rustaveli Ave. 19, Tbilisi, Georgia).
The International Symposium will be held in a hybrid format on 15 October 2026 and will take place physically at the National Library of the Parliament of Georgia (Location: Tbilisi, Lado Gudiashvili St. #7).
General information
Valerian Gunia Union of Young Theatre Artists – OISTAT National Center of Georgia will hold the 6th Tbilisi International Biennale of Stage Design from 7 October to 17 October 2026.
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 2026, the Biennale will focus on two separate sections of international exhibitions: professional and students’ 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 is part of the open forum of the Biennale. The symposium is dedicated to the discussion of modern trends in scenography and problems of culture through crisis.
