Georgian Diaspora Diplomacy Engagement Program: Celebrating Culture, Building Connections.
The Georgian Heritage Foundation is proud to introduce the Georgian Diaspora Diplomacy Engagement Program, an initiative that celebrates the rich heritage of Georgia while fostering connections between the Georgian diaspora and local communities. Under the banner of Georgia – Sakartvelo, this program aims to unite and inspire through a series of key initiatives designed to transcend borders and strengthen cultural bonds.
People-to-People Engagement: This initiative fosters meaningful connections between the Georgian diaspora and local communities through events, forums, and exhibits. Together, we can build a global network that celebrates and supports Georgian culture.
Education Programs: Dive into our lecture series and specialized "Georgian as a Foreign Language" classes, offering an opportunity to explore Georgia's profound history, linguistic heritage, and cultural identity.
Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Georgian art, music, literature, and cuisine. Our cultural exchange programs provide an enriching experience of Georgia's diverse and dynamic traditions.
City Friendship Program: Establish formal partnerships between cities to promote cultural and educational exchanges, fostering long-term collaborations that strengthen international relationships.
Lecture Series: Exploring Georgia’s Cultural Legacy
Our curated Lecture Series will guide participants through various aspects of Georgia's rich history and traditions:
Saturday, March 22nd: "Georgia on My Mind: The Country, Not the State" - An immersive introduction to Georgia’s cultural treasures, offering insights into its rich history and heritage. We will take you on a journey through Georgia’s vibrant musical traditions, from ancient folklore to contemporary genres that define its cultural soundscape.
Saturday, May 24th: "Beyond the Frames of Time: From Alphabet to Supra" - In honor of Georgia’s Independence Day, this lecture delves into the heart of Georgian heritage through an engaging afternoon of language, art, fashion, and gastronomy.
Saturday, September 20th: "Georgia: Cradle of Wine" - Discover Georgia’s ancient winemaking heritage, its role as the birthplace of wine, and its enduring impact on global wine culture.
Saturday, October 25th: "Georgian Literature" - Explore the literary masterpieces and influential figures that have shaped Georgian storytelling and its cultural legacy.
Supported by: Georgian Heritage Foundation Cultural Ambassador, Zaza Korinteli; Consulate General of Georgia in San Francisco; TBS Design Gallery; Qvevri Wine; Bevri; Cacao Space; and Locale.
This comprehensive program reflects our commitment to honoring and preserving Georgian culture while fostering a sense of belonging and community across the globe. Join us in celebrating the legacy of Georgia – Sakartvelo, and be part of a vibrant cultural exchange that transcends borders and brings us closer together.
Our Ambassadors
Zaza Pachulia
Youth & Sports Ambassador
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Within the framework of the Georgian Diaspora Diplomacy Engagement Program, we are honored to announce Zaza Pachulia as the Georgian Heritage Foundation’s Ambassador of Youth and Sports!
A two-time NBA champion and a respected leader in the world of basketball, Zaza has long been an advocate for youth development, sports education, and cultural exchange. His commitment to empowering the next generation through athletics aligns perfectly with our mission to strengthen and engage the Georgian Diaspora.
In his new role, Zaza will work alongside the Georgian Heritage Foundation to inspire and mentor young Georgians, fostering a spirit of excellence, discipline, and community both on and off the court. His global influence, coupled with his deep-rooted love for Georgia, makes him an invaluable addition to our efforts in diaspora diplomacy.
Stay tuned for upcoming initiatives as we continue building meaningful opportunities for our youth.
Dr. Liana Pailodze Harron
Cultural Ambassador
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Within the framework of the Georgian Diaspora Diplomacy Engagement Program, we are honored to welcome Dr. Liana Pailodze Harron as a Cultural Ambassador of the Georgian Heritage Foundation!
A celebrated pianist blending her Georgian heritage with an American spirit, Dr. Harron has captivated audiences worldwide with performances that push the boundaries of contemporary classical music. Praised by The Wall Street Journal as “smashingly effective,” her artistry has graced iconic stages, from Carnegie Hall to the United Nations, while her albums - including Kartli: Stories of Georgia—pay tribute to Georgia’s rich musical legacy.
Beyond her performances, Dr. Harron is a dedicated educator and advocate for cultural preservation, sharing Georgian music with global audiences. In her role as Cultural Ambassador, she will work alongside GHF to foster a deeper connection between the Georgian Diaspora and its artistic heritage.
We look forward to the journey ahead as we celebrate Georgia’s rich musical traditions through the universal language of music!
Zaza Korinteli
Cultural Ambassador
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Within the framework of the Georgian Diaspora Diplomacy Engagement Program, we are honored to welcome Zaza Korinteli as a Cultural Ambassador of the Georgian Heritage Foundation - a musician, composer, songwriter, social activist, folklorist, and ethnomusicologist.
He was born on December 29, 1973, in Tbilisi, Georgia. In 1993, while studying at the Faculty of Psychology at Tbilisi State University, he founded the folk, jazz-rock, and fusion band ZumbaLand. This marked the beginning of his active stage and concert career in Georgia and Europe, which continued successfully until 2015 through solo concerts and participation in various important festivals.
From 1996 to 2001, Zaza lived and pursued his creative activities in Krakow and Warsaw, Poland. He studied at the Academy of Jazz and Contemporary Music in Krakow and collaborated on various projects with Polish musicians. In 2002, he returned to Georgia to continue his creative and civil activities. In 2004, along with his friends, he founded the international folk festival "Art-Gene" in Georgia, which has become a significant cultural event. The festival brings together different generations, regions, countries, and various fields of art and culture. From 2002 to 2015, Zaza organized and conducted folklore expeditions in Georgia and the old Georgian regions of Turkey to search for and collect authentic forms of folk music, crafts, traditions, and cuisine. These expeditions produced a unique video, audio, and photo archive that will be preserved for future generations. He actively promoted the folk masters, performers, and various authentic branches of folk creativity discovered during these expeditions, especially among the younger generations, by inviting them to perform at the Art-Gene festival.
In May 2015, Zaza and his band ZumbaLand embarked on a concert tour in New York, Philadelphia, and New Jersey. After the tour, he moved to California, where he continues to live and work creatively. In 2022, Zaza and California musicians created a new ethno-jazz project, ReroRera - World Ethnic Inspirations. This international project, which combines different ethnic cultures and musical genres, is gaining success, popularity, and appreciation in modern American professional music circles. Zaza continues to actively showcase and promote Georgian culture and art throughout the United States, ensuring its rich heritage and vibrant traditions reach a wider audience.
Zaza will be one of the first members of the Georgian diaspora to participate in our Lecture Series on Georgian Music. He will guide us through the rich and diverse musical traditions of Georgia, from folklore to contemporary genres.
Get Involved
By supporting the Georgian Heritage Foundation, you help preserve a cultural legacy that spans generations. Your contribution strengthens educational initiatives and ensures that Georgia’s rich history, traditions, and heritage continue to inspire and connect us all.