Georgian PM pledges $11mln “average” spend for arts support, $737mln for sports infrastructure development

Irakli Kobakhidze, the Prime Minister of Georgia, on Thursday pledged ₾30 million ($11 million) would be spent “on average” to support the country’s arts scene over the next four years, while also announcing a two billion GEL ($737 million) spending plan for development of sports infrastructure. 

Speaking during a plenary session in the Parliament, which confirmed the new Government following last month’s general elections, the official said supporting artists was “very important. “[O]n average we will allocate ₾30 million ($11.07 million) specifically for the next four years to support artists”. 

In his speech, the official also outlined plans for a “comprehensive” infrastructure development programme aimed at enhancing sports facilities across the country. 

The programme, he said, would focus on building multifunctional sports complexes in municipal centres.

The development of mass sports is very important. Our goal is to provide each municipal centre with multifunctional sports complexes”, he said, noting that funding for sports had “increased fourfold” under the Georgian Dream Government. 

Involvement in mass sports has tripled in recent years, and we must continue to promote it. The support will continue”, he pledged. 

He also noted the programme would include construction of infrastructureincluding swimming pools, outdoor playgrounds, and indoor sports halls, ensuring access to quality facilities for communities across Georgia. 

Kobakhidze also highlighted “significant progress” had been made in cultural heritage protection, with an investment of around ₾130 million ($47.93 million) planned for the coming four years.