TYAM

TYAM – Tbilisi Youth Art Market is a platform dedicated to supporting emerging and unrepresented artists at the early and transitional stages of their careers.

Structured in two sections — artists aged 17–25 and 25+ unrepresented artists — TYAM creates a space where new voices can present their work, gain visibility, and engage directly with professionals from the local and international art scene.

More than an event, TYAM is conceived as an open, dialogue-driven environment where artists, curators, gallerists, and cultural practitioners meet, exchange, and build connections.

The project focuses on practical knowledge and real-world experience: how to navigate the art world, present work, collaborate with institutions, and develop a sustainable artistic path.

TYAM aims to become a long-term platform, growing each year while contributing to the development of a more connected and supportive artistic ecosystem.

Our Vision

TYAM is envisioned as a long-term cultural platform dedicated to supporting the development of emerging, unrepresented and young artists.

Its vision is to:

  • Create real opportunities at the beginning of artistic careers
  • Build a bridge between local and international art communities
  • Encourage knowledge-sharing and mentorship
  • Support a more accessible and inclusive art ecosystem
  • Contribute to the cultural development of the region

TYAM aims to grow into a sustainable and evolving platform, shaping future generations of artists and cultural professionals.

Curatorial Statement

Coexistence

TYAM – Tbilisi Youth Art Market is a contemporary platform dedicated to supporting emerging, independent, and underrepresented artists while creating meaningful connections across generations of artistic practice.

The curatorial framework of TYAM is centered around the idea of coexistence. Rather than separating artists according to age, professional status, or visibility, the project creates a shared space where different artistic experiences, perspectives, and creative journeys can exist side by side.

TYAM welcomes both emerging artists at the beginning of their careers and established cultural figures whose work has shaped artistic and cultural life. By bringing these voices together, the platform seeks to create opportunities for discovery, exchange, and mutual inspiration.

The project places particular emphasis on artists who are at early or transitional stages of their careers, including those working independently and outside traditional gallery representation. Through exhibitions, lectures, panel discussions, portfolio reviews, and professional networking opportunities, TYAM aims to support artistic development and create access to broader cultural and professional networks.

Coexistence is not presented as a theme that artists must illustrate in their work. Instead, it serves as the conceptual framework of the project itself. It reflects the coexistence of generations, artistic languages, experiences, cultural memory, and future possibilities.

TYAM is conceived as a contemporary cultural meeting point where established and emerging artists, local and international perspectives, and different creative practices can share the same space. Through this approach, the project seeks to strengthen visibility, encourage professional growth, and contribute to the development of a vibrant and inclusive contemporary art community.

Board & Friends

Paul Dujardin

Paul Dujardin

Paul Dujardin is a leading European cultural manager and former Director of BOZAR – Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels. His work focuses on connecting art, society, and international dialogue through large-scale cultural initiatives and public engagement.
Lydia Desloover

Lydia Desloover

Lydia Desloover is a member of the executive committee of the National Opera of Belgium, engaged in cultural management, inclusion, education, and outreach programs, with a focus on connecting diverse audiences to the arts.
Nazy Nazhand

Nazy Nazhand

Nazy Nazhand is a New York–based cultural strategist, art advisor, and writer whose work operates at the intersection of contemporary art, music, design, and public discourse. Born in Tehran and raised between Athens, Greece and Washington, D.C., she brings a transnational perspective to a practice centered on cultural exchange, long-term advocacy and building connections across disciplines, geographies, and communities.
Julia Marchand

Julia Marchand

Julia Marchand is a Venice-based curator and researcher. Her work focuses on adolescent aesthetics within visual art, as well as the editorial and poetic activities of Ilia Zdanevich (1894–1975). She recently curated exhibitions dedicated to Zdanevich at Fondazione Antoino dalle Nogare, Bolzano (2025–26), and the Georgian Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale (2024).

Our Team

Nino Surguladze

Nino Surguladze

Co-Founder and Curator
Nino Surguladze is a theatre and costume designer, visual artist, and cultural initiator based in Tbilisi. She is one of the organizers of TAF and the creator of TYAM and actively works on projects connecting art, education, and contemporary cultural dialogue.
Lizi Vachnadze

Lizi Vachnadze

Guest Relations & Coordination
Lizi Vachnadze coordinates guest relations for TYAM, ensuring communication, hospitality, and the overall experience of invited participants.
Liko Buziashvili

Liko Buziashvili

Head of PR and Marketing
Scroll to Top