Contrast of The Soviet and Contemporary Management in The Museum Sector in Georgia

 Tinatin Baghashvili

Georgia is an old christian country, with spectacular landscape and cultural diversity. It is a small land that plays significant role in the geopolitics of the South Caucasus region. Admittedly, Georgia is aligned on the border of two continents of Europe and Azia. 

The geographical location and ancient history determined the rich and diverse cultural heritage. It is needed to highlight that the visible evidences support the proposed statement. The oldest christian built heritage is dated from VI century, Georgian alphabet is one of the 15 in the whole world - "მე მიყვარს საქართველო". Georgia is considered as the cradle of wine and the folk music, the song "Chakrulo" was sent by NASA to the space as the important musical piece of the world, and many more... but to feel the real Georgia, the best way is to visit and experience the local spirit. 

Svaneti, Georiga

According to the ancient history there have always been battles in Georgia between diverse groups of nations. Sometimes, the country was invaded by the Mongolians, Arabs, Ottomans, Iranians and Russians. Therefore, each of the ethnic groups have left their traces in the land of "Georgia". The history also influenced the shaping of combination of the European and Asian values that are still arguable in many context for Georgian society. 

Ultimately, the country got its liberation in XX century in 90s, after Soviet Union fall. The state transition has not been completed yet. There are many problems, issues regarding the system and democratic values, human rights etc. People still try to define what are the values that country should follow to. The Soviet understanding is still alive among the older generations that significantly affects the modernity. 

Since 90s, Georgia has been developing its institutions based on the European values and culture. However, the huge gaps between soviet period and contemporary Georgia is clearly visible, especially at the state cultural organizations such as the state museums. The problematic issues underline that the museum management does not speak the same language as it is demanded from the life nowadays. The staff is not well-trained, moreover, they are almost retired people having soviet mentality and life-style. Therefore, the modern challenges and technical requirements are not well-adopted in the museum sector. 

National Museum of Georgia, Rustaveli ave.

On the other hand, retired people are still employees at the state museums, and sometimes they even receive pension and salary at the same time. The administration has the legitimacy to fire these people, however, in practice this would be considered as disrespectful act to the older generation in the social, economic and cultural context. Meanwhile, there are youngsters with fresh ideas, that have ability to improve the museums to the modernity and replace soviet style of workflow and soviet management. 

The other issue arises on the museum infrastructure and accessibility to the institutions. All the state museum buildings are built in Soviet Union times. None of these constructions have special need facility in order to meet the underrepresented groups needs. There has been the Association Agreement between Georgian and EU, that considered by 2020 to complete the easy access program at the state museums, to build separate entrances, special elevators and bathrooms, audio guiding tutorials etc. It is obvious, the goals are not yet achieved. And the final aspect is the perception of the museum among Georgian society. The attitude towards culture seems problematic as it represents the joyful experience and entertainment, still the museums lack educational and mediator role in the society. Most of the people do not go to the museums nowadays, because simply museums are not attractive and they do not offer unforgettable experience to the visitors. Therefore, the fresh mind and creative entrepreneurship in the modern management in the museum sector seems crucial and survival step. 

"A Fisherman" - Pirosmani

Lastly, I need to tell personal story to support the arguments evoked previously. There is the one of the most famous Georgian artists, called Niko Pirosmani(1862 - 1918). His art is unique as he represented self-taught artist, painted with self-made colors made of the natural plants. He painted the animals he had never seem before too and it really is amazing. His style is somewhat in childish manner and pure. Couple of years ago, I went to the National Gallery and noticed that one of his painting "A fisherman" was hanging inclined. 

I expressed my emotion and could not resist myself of going to the guard in order to fix the painting. I went to the woman, that was controlling the gallery and told her, that if possible to turn off the alarm security and ask someone to fix the frame. She offhandedly whispered, "oh, when people take pictures, they lean on the painting and that's why it is not hanging right". The woman stood up, wend to the painting, touched and fixed it. I genuinely was shocked. I thought, there must have been at least alarm security in order to protect our culture, or at least the woman should have worn special gloves while touching the great piece of art. 

To conclude, after this incident I have realized that soviet management in the museum sector is a problematic issue. The employees, clearly do not understand the importance of the institutions they work at, they do not value and appraise art and culture. This small event showed me that the museum management does not regulate such incidents, do not provide proper security and education/training to their employees. I suggest, the museum should have its role in the society. It should be educative social space integrated with economic activities. the general success depends on the great management that is unfortunately absent in the Georgian scene as it still carries soviet legacy.