A large mural inspired by Georgian mythology, history and Svan culture will be created in Mestia as part of the international street art festival ‘Gamo-Khate Mestia 2026.’
The project will transform a concrete wall near the Nesgumi Bridge in the village of Lenjeri into an open-air artwork featuring scenes and characters connected to Georgian traditions, legends and historical events.
The festival will bring together 24 artists, including six foreign and 18 local participants, who will collaboratively create a single mural based on pre-agreed sketches and themes.
Organizers say the mural will feature the legend of Amiran, Medea and the Argonauts, the Golden Fleece, and traditional gold mining methods. Mythological figures such as Ochopintre, Rashi, Kursha and Barbale will also be depicted.
Elements of Svaneti’s history and traditions, including Mestia horse racing, the zoomorphic flag ‘Lemi,’ the history of the Fustel Knights and the Khalde Uprising, are also expected to appear in the artwork. The project will additionally highlight Georgian national clothing, the Georgian alphabet, wine traditions and architecture.
The mural is scheduled to be painted in June.
Beyond the artistic component, the festival will also include public lectures, seminars and workshops led by foreign artists. Organizers say the educational activities will focus on the role of street art in urban design and community transformation.
“The permanent exhibition created as a result of the project in the form of an ‘open-air gallery’ will become a new tourist attraction,” the organizers stated.
The festival is organized by the Georgian Street Art Federation with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Georgia and LEPL ‘Creative Georgia.’
Applications to participate in the festival are currently open:
