The project presentation of the Arts Center in Gyumri was held in the Art Space of the Cultural Center of the Armenian Embassy in Moscow during which Embassy Adviser Karina Danielyan delivered a welcome speech.
The founder of the center and people’s artist of Armenia Roudolf Kharatian spoke about the ideas laid down in the project, his goals and objectives, while the project architect Azad Chichmanian from NEUF architect(e)s presented the design concept of the building. The executive director Lilit Petrosyan presented the achievements and strategic planning of the project.
“My step for Shirak Province” investment-business forum and local production exhibition was held in Gyumri on July 20 with the participation PM Pashinyan and Shirak Governor Tigran Petrosyan and other governmental representatives. “My step for Shirak Province” business forum was initiated by the Government of the Republic of Armenia and aims to create a platform that will promote economic development in the Shirak communities through multilateral collaborations among local and foreign businesses.
In April 2018, the “Kharatian Experiential Center for the Performing Arts, Gyumri” project received an Innovation for Social Impact grant, implemented within the Bridge4CSOs project led by AGBU in partnership with EPF and funded by the European Union for Piloting the Program, to develop Capital Planning, initiate Institutional Marketing and start Capital Campaign Planning.
One of the core components of the center will be the DanceAbility program, designed for children with multiple disabilities. The aim of the program is to foster their integration into social life, discover their physical and mental potential, and encourage tolerance among the general community.
A project this ambitious requires a suitable home. This is why we are collaborating with award-winning Montreal architect Azad Chichmanian to create a building that will turn any regular Gyumri Saturday into an experience that breaks boundaries between art and audience and make Gyumri a sought-after destination.
The first phase of the planning process consisted of conducting a series of interviews with Gyumri’s Municipality staff, City Council members; artists; potential donors, residents, and other constituencies to understand the various points of view and issues associated with the project and to determine the core issues facing the Arts Center.
On January 29 Gyumri municipality announced a public hearing, followed by A&Q of projects aiming at restoring the building of the former Railway Culture Cente. and discussions were held on the topic of rr in Gyumri. Discussion took place at Gyumri municipality administrative building. The majority of those present at the public debate supported the program proposal suggested by Ballet 2021.
Based on the unanimous decision by the Gyumri Community Elders’ Commission, a memorandum of understanding between Gyumri Municipality and Ballet 2021 was signed for the transfer of the property rights of the former cultural center building and surrounding area to Ballet 2021 for use as the Kharatian Experiential Center for the Performing Arts for gratuitous use for a 99-year period.
On 25 March 2019 Ballet 2021 Foundation made the official presentation of The Kharatian Experiential Center for the Performing Arts, Gymri project, which was preceded by a press briefing with the founder Roudolf Kharatian and Lead Architect Azad Chichmanian.
