Georgian literary scene boycotts Writers’ House

The Georgian literary community is largely boycotting the Writers’ House of Georgia following the removal of festival initiator Natasha Lomouri from her leadership position three years ago. The institution, a historic Art Nouveau villa that has served as a central hub for international writers since the early 1920s, is now under the direction of Ketevan Dumbadse, a member of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

As a result of the boycott, events such as the 11th Tbilisi International Literary Festival are being held at alternative venues, including the Goethe-Institut, due to the lack of support for the official Writers’ House. Participants have noted a sense of tension in the capital, linking the institutional changes to broader political repression and concerns regarding press freedom in the country.