• An Atlas of Commoning: Places of Collective Production

An exhibition by ifa-Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen in collaboration with ARCH+

Presented in cooperation with the Tbilisi Architecture Biennial (TAB) at TBC Concept Flagship

7 Kote Marjanishvili St, Tbilisi 0102, Georgia

Opening: Friday, October 4, 18:00-20:00 

Symposium Commoning Tbilisi and Curator’s Tour: Sat. October 5, 14:00-19:00

Exhibition Duration: October 4 – November 15, 2024

Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00-20:00

Curatorial Team: 

Anh-Linh Ngo, Mirko Gatti, Christian Hiller, Max Kaldenhoff, Christine Rüb (ARCH+); Elke aus dem Moore (ifa); Stefan Gruber (CMU)

Research Partners: 

School of Architecture, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Pittsburgh, Remaking Cities Institute,

Prof. Stefan Gruber, and Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Architecture, Prof. Rainer Hehl

Curators of Tbilisi Edition:

Stefan Gruber (CMU), Tinatin Gurgenidze (TAB), Mariam Shergelashvili

Social media and other platforms whose business models are based on the commercialization of social relationships, have transformed words like “community,” “sharing” or “we” into empty concepts that no longer represent solidarity or a progressive social agenda, but rather form the basis for an emerging platform capitalism. This economic development is accompanied by a global political shift fueled by traditional community notions of identity and affiliation, exclusion and discrimination. Against this background, the exhibition and publication project An Atlas of Commoning aims to reclaim and redefine the open and emancipatory space of “we” as a concept. The project focuses on urban commons—here commons are to be understood as a set of practices dealing with the collective production and governance of (material and immaterial) resources and spaces in general, rather than with the resources themselves, hence “commoning,” the verb, takes center stage. Commoning is a process of dealing with differences and conflicts between the individual, the community and society. A process of spatial organization in the relations between production and reproduction, ownership and access to resources. A process that brings together solidarity networks and redefines individual and collective rights. The project questions the prevailing social and political structures and seeks new forms of collective, yet pluralistic, governance.

With contributions from: 

Morehshin Allahyari & Daniel Rourke; clemens krug architekten & Bernhard Hummel Architekt (Team: Oliver Clemens, Anna Heilgemeir,  Bernhard Hummel, Emma Williams); Assemble & Granby Workshop; Iwan Baan; Brandlhuber + Christopher Roth; DAAR Decolonizing  Architecture Art Residency; Theo Deutinger; Eureka; Manuel Herz;  Sandi Hilal, Philipp Misselwitz & Anne Misselwitz; Immo Klink; Kotti & Co; Kuehn Malvezzi; Angelika Levi; Golan Levin (F.A.T. Lab) & Shawn Sims

(Sy–Lab); Makoko Waterfront Community; Tukano Maloca; Miethäuser Syndikat; National Union of Sahrawi Women; NLÉ Architects; PlanBude Hamburg, Svenja Baumgardt & Sylvi Kretzschmar; Common Ground e.V. & Nachbarschaftsakademie; Quest – Florian Köhl / Christian Burkhard;  Martha Rosler; Harald Trapp / Robert Thum; Urban-Think Tank, Chair of Architecture and Urban Design ETH Zürich; WiLMa GmbH; Samson Young.

The “Atlas of Commoning” also includes works by: 

Airbnb; ARGE ifau | HEIDE & VON BECKERATH; Atelier d’Architecture Autogérée; BARarchitekten; Bau- und Wohngenossenschaft Spreefeld  Berlin eG; Carpaneto Schöning Architekten; City in the Making; FATkoehl Architekten; Die Zusammenarbeiter; El Campo de la Cebada; Genossenschaft Kalkbreite; Genossenschaft Kraftwerk1; Go Hasegawa and Associates; IBeB GbR; Müller Sigrist Architects; Refugee  Accommodation and Solidarity Space City Plaza; Schneider Studer Primas; Stiftung House of One – Bet- und Lehrhaus Petriplatz Berlin; Gemeinde Yoshino; ZUS [Zones Urbaines Sensibles].

Tbilisi initiatives include the Betlemi Neighborhood Revitalization, Birzha, the Center of Contemporary Art Tbilisi, Napirze in Rustavi, the Kinbe Project, the Save the Rioni River Movement and Street School.

For more information, visit www.biennial.ge

• TBC, Kovzy, VISA, and GLOVO to Launch Joint Project: “E-commerce in a Box

“E-commerce in a Box” is a collaborative initiative by TBC, Kovzy, VISA, and GLOVO, aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses in the food and restaurant sectors. The project seeks to enhance their online presence and boost e-commerce capabilities. Participating businesses will have access to a wide range of tools and resources, including the creation of online storefronts, payment processing solutions, and marketing support.

For small and medium-sized restaurant businesses that do not have a website, Kovzy will create one as part of the project. GLOVO will handle delivery services, and TBC will provide payment solutions. Additionally, TBC Business offers the following benefits

1. A monthly top-up fee for the business;
2. One year of free access to the TBC Business Kit;
3. For payments made via VISA card through the e-commerce platform, businesses will be reimbursed for transaction fees, up to 300 GEL.

The program’s primary goal is to empower small and medium-sized restaurant businesses to succeed in digital commerce. By offering essential e-commerce tools, the initiative aims to help SMEs overcome digital barriers, expand their customer base, and increase revenue streams.

The program is designed to support 100 small and medium-sized businesses in the cafe and restaurant sector across the country.

• Discover Imereti: A Journey Through Time with TBC Concept and “Mogzauri“

On October 12-13, join the exclusive joint tour by TBC Concept and “Mogzauri” and experience „Journey to the Heart of Kolkheti: Imereti – From the Kingdom of the Mythical Golden Fleece to the European Legacy of Niko Nikoladze.“

Guided by Nino Lortkipanidze and Keti Bakradze, the tour will explore the wonders of Vani, Kutaisi, and Didi Jikhaishi, along with their rich cultural and historical sites.

The highlight of the tour is a visit to the Vani Archaeological Museum. Nino Lortkipanidze, curator at the Otar Lortkipanidze Archaeological Museum, will uncover the secrets of Vani:

What mysteries does Vani hold?

Often compared to El Dorado for its wealth of gold and to Pompeii for its historical significance, Vani’s eight centuries of history make it a vital part of European heritage. Known as the “Pompeii of Georgia,” Vani became recognized in Europe for its historical and cultural treasures.

Discover how Greek culture, one of the pillars of European civilization, intersected with this region. The myth of the Argonauts, which features prominently in Greek consciousness, has deep roots in Kolkheti. Why was this land so central to the legend of the Golden Fleece? The museum at Vani holds the answers.

For the full program, visit: [https://link.tbc.ge/mogzauri](https://link.tbc.ge/mogzauri)

TBC Concept users can enjoy a special price of 980 ₾.

To register, please contact Concept Assistant at: 032 2 27 27 00.

For further details, you may also reach out to the “Mogzauri” team at:

599 380 817 or 599 908 906.

• TBC Equity Monthly Macro Review: Sentiment and FX Buffers Once Again in Focus

In August, Georgia’s economy grew by 12%, surpassing TBC Capital’s forecast of 9.3-10%. As a result, the full-year growth expectation for 2024 is now higher than the previously anticipated 9%. Key drivers of this strong economic activity include increased traditional tourism and local exports.

Regarding the GEL (Georgian Lari) exchange rate, TBC Capital’s assessment and forecast remain unchanged. However, the importance of sentiment has grown significantly. This is evident in the substantial rise in foreign currency purchases by businesses and individuals, driven by concerns over potential devaluation in recent periods. Until mid-September, these historically high foreign currency inflows did not impact the exchange rate, and, in fact, the National Bank of Georgia was able to bolster its foreign exchange reserves in August. However, from the latter half of the month, the Lari experienced increased downward pressure, resulting in a slight depreciation.

As for the forecast, by the end of 2024, the exchange rate of the Lari against the US dollar is expected to stabilize at around 2.8 GEL per USD, followed by potential Lari strengthening. It is important to note that, as frequently emphasized, if sentiment shifts, it could drive the Lari to appreciate. Additionally, TBC Capital maintains its view that the probability of a weakening US dollar in international markets remains relatively high in the medium term.

Read the full publication at the link. (hyperlink: ყოველთვიური მაკროეკონომიკური მიმოხილვა | TBC Capital)

• TBC Business and Retail Association Signs Memorandum to Empower SMEs

On October 1, the TBC Business and Retail Association signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across various aspects of their business operations.

One of the significant challenges faced by SMEs today is selecting the right sales channels and negotiating with large retail chains. Small entrepreneurs often struggle to reach the mass market and face additional hurdles when dealing with major supermarkets, which import a significant portion of their products. Local businesses frequently fail to meet the required quality standards or volumes demanded by these large retailers.

Entrepreneurs also encounter challenges such as selecting inappropriate sales channels, inconsistent delivery schedules, and a decline in product quality once introduced to larger networks. The goal of this collaboration is to tackle these issues by raising awareness among entrepreneurs and equipping them with the necessary tools to succeed.

The project consists of several components, including educational programs aimed at retraining entrepreneurs. One-on-one meetings with supermarket chains will be arranged, allowing selected entrepreneurs to have direct interviews to finalize the introduction of their products. The initiative also includes promotions for the products of small businesses, as well as a B2B exhibition where SMEs can showcase their offerings to supermarket chains and other potential sales partners.

• Kutaisi International Short Film Festival 2024: Supported by TBC Concept

The fourth edition of the Kutaisi International Short Film Festival, supported by TBC Concept, will take place from October 4th to 9th, 2024. Over the course of six days, the festival will offer audiences a diverse range of programs at cinemas across Georgia. In addition to film screenings and retrospectives, the festival will feature masterclasses, workshops, discussions, and presentations.

This year’s competition program showcases 25 films, including those that have participated in and won awards at renowned international festivals such as Cannes, Locarno, Sundance, Toronto, Trieste, and Clermont-Ferrand. An international jury will select the winners from among the competing films, presenting the Golden Dinosaur awards in three categories: Best Film, Best Director, and Best Cinematographer.

The jury will be chaired by Barbara Lorey de La Charrière, a film critic and journalist who is a member of FIPRESCI. Other jury members include actor and director Tornike Gogrichiani, actress Eka Chavleishvili, cinematographer Archil Akhvlediani, and director Ramazan Kılıç.

The guest of honor for this year’s festival is celebrated Spanish actress Marisa Paredes, a star of both Spanish and world cinema. Audiences will have the opportunity to watch films featuring her, attend a masterclass for female actors led by her, and participate in an open Q&A session with the actress.

This year, the festival will shine a spotlight on one of the most significant figures in contemporary cinema, Pedro Almodóvar, with a retrospective celebrating his 75th anniversary. The festival will also feature the work of Emma Cohen, continuing its tradition of highlighting the contributions of female filmmakers to the world of cinema.

In 2024, the festival will honor the anniversaries of several Georgian cinematographers, with special screenings of their films both in cinemas and in open-air settings. These celebrations will include tributes to Nato Vachnadze (120), Tengiz Abuladze (100), Sergei Parajanov (100), Lomer Akhvlediani (90), Otar Iosseliani (90), Irakli Kvirikadze (85), Giorgi Gersamia (85), Giorgi Beridze (70), Tato Kotetishvili (65), Mikhail Kalatozishvili (65),** and Lika Kavzharadze (65).

• TBC’s “Saba” 2024 Nomination for Best Georgian Translation, Finalists Announced

The jury of the “Saba” Literary Prize has revealed the finalists for the “Best Georgian Translation” category. From a pool of 74 competing books, 13 finalists have been selected.

The “Saba” Literary Prize was founded by TBC and Rati Amaglobeli in 2003, and the 2024 competition marks its 22nd edition. This year, the jury will recognize outstanding books and authors across 9 categories. Finalists have already been announced in 8 of these categories, while the winner for the “Special Contribution to the Development of Literature” will be traditionally revealed during the award ceremony.

Here are the finalists for the 2024 Saba Literary Award in the “Best Georgian Translation” category:

1. Bachana Chabradze for the translation of „Pataphysics on Stage“ by Alfred Jarry and Guillaume Apollinaire (Aryl)
2. Giorgi Kakhishvili for the translation of Hesiod’s *Work and Days* (Aryl)
3. Giorgi Lobzhanidze for the translation of *Arsta Mesnev (Book Three)* by Jalal Ed-Din Rumi (Sulakauri Publishing House)
4. Giorgi Kharaishvili for the translation of Elizabeth Strout’s *Oh, William!* (Palette L)
5. Elisabeth (Dodo) Kudashvili for the translation of Jorge Luis Borges’ *Aleph* (Sulakauri Publishing House)
6. Zaza Chiladze and Gia Chumburidze for the translation of Susan Sontag’s *On Photography* (Diogene)
7. Tamar Lomidze for the translation of Hannah Arendt’s *Eichmann in Jerusalem* (Diogene)
8. Tea Shurghaia for the translation of Iraj Pezeshkzad’s *My Uncle Napoleon* (Diogene)
9. Katya Wolters for the translation of Olga Tokarczuk’s *Flights* (Intellect)
10. Maya Panjikidze for the translation of Thomas Bernhard’s *Old Masters* (Sulakauri Publishing House)
11. Paata Javakhishvili for the translation of David Diop’s *At Night All Blood Is Black* (Sulakauri Publishing House)
12. Rusudan Ghvinepadze for the translation of Franz Kafka’s *Diaries* (Alef)
13. Khatuna Tskhadadze for the translation of Italo Calvino’s *The Path to the Nest of Spiders* (Sulakauri Publishing House)

 

The winners will be announced at the upcoming award ceremony, an eagerly anticipated event in Georgia’s literary calendar.

• Expansion of McDonald’s Georgia – Two New Restaurants Opened in Tbilisi

Two new “McDonald’s Georgia” restaurants have officially opened in Tbilisi. With these additions, the total number of “McDonald’s” locations in Tbilisi has increased to 18, and 25 across the entire country. The company has invested 23 million GEL in these new projects and has created up to 110 jobs.

The restaurant located at Gotua Street N7 was constructed according to the latest eco-standards, featuring infrastructure that is accessible for individuals with disabilities and providing 24-hour service. The restaurant spans an area of 2,300 square meters, combining both outdoor and indoor seating, a terrace, a recreation area, and parking. Additionally, it offers a 24-hour drive-thru service and a birthday center.

This restaurant’s interior is designed to reflect a premium aesthetic, marking a first for “McDonald’s” establishments in the Georgian market. The Riverside restaurant includes updated self-service kiosks, a children’s play area, and a McCafe corner.

Solar panels installed on the roof generate 46 kW of energy daily, contributing to the restaurant’s operational energy needs. Electric vehicle charging stations are available in the parking area. Moreover, a green wall made of living plants is featured within the restaurant, serving both decorative and functional purposes by improving air quality and maintaining humidity balance.

The new “McDonald’s” on Vazha-Pshavela Avenue N71 is already welcoming guests and adheres to the latest eco-standards. Both new locations feature a McCafe and serve breakfast.

TBC is the primary financial supporter of “McDonald’s Georgia.”

“I congratulate ‘McDonald’s’ on the opening of two new restaurants equipped to very high standards of environmental and social responsibility. We have been collaborating with ‘McDonald’s Georgia’ since 2017, during which time we have successfully opened a total of seven restaurants. Three years ago, with TBC’s support, we introduced a significant component—national production—into the food offerings of ‘McDonald’s Georgia’ through the establishment of ‘Bradfield,’ a bakery that supplies the expanding local network of ‘McDonald’s’ with Georgian products and even exports them abroad. In partnership with ‘McDonald’s,’ we are supporting several key areas for TBC simultaneously: employment, the introduction of international quality and service standards, and the production and export of Georgian goods,” stated Giorgi Thalimadze, Deputy General Director of TBC

“McDonald’s Georgia” is a major employer, currently providing jobs for approximately 2,100 individuals across its restaurant chain. Since its inception, more than 7,000 people have gained valuable work experience at McDonald’s.

To date, “McDonald’s Georgia” has invested nearly 185 million GEL in various sectors, with its contribution to the national budget reaching 216 million GEL. The company plans to open several new restaurants across the country in 2025 and make additional significant investments.

• TBC’s Commitment to Developing Leadership Skills in Employees

Effective leadership is crucial for organizational growth and success. To nurture this, TBC established the Leadership Academy in 2021, aimed at equipping employees with essential skills for today’s dynamic environment. Since its inception, the Academy has provided various fully funded international and local programs.

These leadership initiatives are designed to enhance the skills and competencies of individuals in managerial roles, focusing on fostering innovation, effective team management, and a culture of collaboration.

To enhance visibility, TBC collaborated with Develor International to create a unique five-month program featuring international trainers visiting Georgia. This program encompasses four key modules: strategic vision, change management, collaboration, and people management/development. In 2023, TBC successfully held two leadership programs in Georgia: the three-day “Leading Leaders – Leadership Pipeline Institute” training and the two-day “Self-Intelligence at Workplace” workshop.

Additionally, in partnership with TBC and the Bled School of Management, a five-day leadership program is offered in Slovenia, combining theoretical training with practical activities. Recently, TBC employees who participated in the Bled management program shared their experiences.

Ketevan Akhrakhadze, a participant, praised the program’s unique structure, highlighting the seamless integration of theoretical concepts with interactive workshops. She particularly enjoyed the rowing activity, which, despite her being unathletic, provided a memorable experience filled with teamwork.

“Before flying from Georgia, I anticipated an interesting program, but I returned with even more diverse feelings and impressions. It was an incredible adventure, full of new people, skills, opportunities, and perspectives,” Ketevan shared.

 

Nino Nozadze, another participant, emphasized the program’s effectiveness in developing leadership skills. He appreciated the active and practical nature of the lectures, which included simulations that engaged participants and made learning enjoyable.

“The program is tailored to our organization’s reality and needs, thanks to the collaboration between our team and the University of Bled,” Nino remarked.

Lasha Daushvili, the third participant, echoed their sentiments, noting that the training exceeded his expectations. He appreciated TBC’s commitment to employee development through such valuable opportunities.

“Our lecturers possessed both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, and the beautiful environment of Bled enhanced the learning experience. It’s crucial for a company to invest in its managers so they can communicate effectively and manage processes better,” Lasha said.

By investing in these programs, TBC not only enhances employee skills but also fosters a culture of continuous learning. The fully funded initiatives reflect the company’s dedication to the professional growth of its workforce.

• TBC Leasing Secures Historic €10 Million Investment from CDP

TBC Leasing has successfully raised €10 million in financing from Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), the largest Italian financial institution for international development. This landmark transaction marks CDP’s first investment in Georgia, establishing a significant precedent in the country’s financial sector by attracting new international institutional capital.

The investment aims to strengthen financial inclusion and support the development of local entrepreneurship, reaffirming TBC Leasing’s commitment to providing financial resources that address the growing needs of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Georgia.

This strategic partnership is backed by the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD), an important initiative aimed at reducing the financing gap for MSMEs, particularly in the European Neighborhood. The program seeks to diminish inequality, create jobs, and promote income growth across the region.

The signing ceremony was attended by Massimiliano D’Antuono, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Italy to Georgia, and Pavel Herczynski, the Head of the European Union Representation in Georgia.

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• TBC Capital Supports Insightful Real Estate Event “Construction and Development Sectors – Challenges and Trends

Supported by TBC Capital, the event “Construction and Development Sectors – Challenges and Trends” was organized as part of the BMG program “Real Estate Prospectus.”

During the event, Irina Kvakhadze, head of TBC Capital’s Research Department, presented a comprehensive study on the residential real estate market.

According to the research, the Tbilisi real estate market remains stable in 2024. Over the first eight months of 2024, residential real estate sales in Tbilisi experienced a 2% annual decline, with 25,102 apartments sold during this period. Excluding Mtatsminda, the highest demand across all districts of Tbilisi is for apartments ranging from 50 to 75 square meters.

In Batumi, sales transactions during the first eight months of 2024 decreased by 14% annually, primarily due to a high base effect and normalization of demand. A total of 9,117 apartments were sold in Batumi during this timeframe. The most sought-after properties are apartments up to 35 square meters in the first strip, while sales of 50 to 75 square meter apartments predominate in the city center and suburbs. Many apartments in Batumi’s projects are purchased for investment purposes, as evidenced by the significant proportion of foreign buyers.

In Tbilisi, the average selling price rose by 4% annually over the first seven months of 2024, reaching $1,201. In Batumi, prices increased by 6% annually, amounting to $1,184. No significant changes in real estate prices are anticipated in Tbilisi and Batumi in the coming months.

Tbilisi real estate continues to be a prominent investment asset. In August 2024, the rates exceeded the long-term average by 1.4 percentage points, reaching 9.8%.

While potential supply in the Tbilisi real estate market remains high, permits issued in Tbilisi declined by 7% annually during the first eight months of 2024. This year, construction rights were granted for 891,000 square meters, with Didi Dighomi accounting for the largest share at 28%, while Isani recorded the smallest share at 14%.

For more details about the research, please follow the link. (hyperlink: თბილისის საცხოვრებელი უძრავი ქონება: ყოველთვიური მიმოხილვა | TBC Capital)

• Ska Juice Bar Expands to Prague with Support from TBC Bank

With the support of TBC Bank, Ska Juice Bar has officially expanded its presence, opening its first branch in Prague, with a second location set to launch in the same city later this month.

 

“From the very beginning, we knew we would go beyond Georgia and enter the markets of Central and Eastern Europe,” says Giorgi Talakhadze, founder and CEO of Ska Juice Bar. After four years of steady growth, it was time to bring this vision to life. As Giorgi explains, the local Georgian market has reached its capacity for the brand: “Our concept doesn’t focus on mass production, so the number of our locations in Tbilisi is sufficient to meet the demand.”

To fuel their next phase of development, the company began exploring international markets a year ago. With the help of Wolt, their long-term strategic partner, they conducted market research in several European cities to identify potential entry points.

Prague emerged as the top choice for several reasons. Strategically located at the heart of Europe, the city serves as an ideal launchpad for expansion across the continent. Additionally, Prague offers cost advantages over other European cities, with lower prices for goods and logistics.

Wolt’s strong market presence in Prague further solidified the decision. Ska Juice Bar’s concept is also unique in the city, offering them a competitive edge and ample growth opportunities.

TBC Bank played a crucial role in enabling this rapid expansion. “Since day one, TBC has been a key partner in our journey,” Giorgi notes. “Our first startup loan came from TBC, and over the years, they’ve supported us with additional working capital and funding for new branches. Their support has been instrumental in opening our first international locations, and we’re one of the few Georgian businesses to have successfully expanded into Europe. I believe many will be curious to learn how such growth was made possible with TBC’s financing.”

Looking ahead, Giorgi shares that Ska Juice Bar has even more ambitious plans for expansion, with TBC Bank continuing to play a vital role in their journey.