International Week of Arts Education…

International Week of Arts Education

On May 24, 2014, the “Yntaniq” Children and Youth Creative Center in Gyumri hosted the closing event of the “International Week of Arts Education,” proclaimed by UNESCO.

The series of events aimed to contribute to the comprehensive development of teenagers through cultural, aesthetic, educational, and patriotic upbringing. The program was held from May 19 to 24 in the communities of Ashotsk and Vahramaberd in Shirak Province, as well as in the city of Gyumri.

The population of the northern region of the Republic warmly welcomed the cultural offerings of the younger generation, presented with the radiant spirit of their homeland. In Ashotsk, it was truly a celebration—the colorful and aesthetically rich performances of the participants demonstrated the strength of the Armenian collective spirit, as well as the people’s wholehearted devotion to national traditions and noble patriotic ideals.

The series of events continued on May 22 at the Vahramaberd Cultural Center, where clubs of the “Yntaniq” Center operate. The hosts warmly and enthusiastically welcomed the guests. The audience enjoyed the concert program entitled “Dance Rhythms of Nations,” featuring students from the “Yntaniq” and Ashotsk Children and Youth Centers.

The Vahramaberd concert program was complemented by a visit to the Marmashen Monastic Complex, where the students of the Center met with Rev. Father Paren Petrosyan, who thoroughly presented the invaluable role of the Armenian Church in preserving Armenian identity and ensuring its continuity.

The “Week of Arts Education” concluded at the “Yntaniq” Center in Gyumri, whose halls were adorned with the students’ unique and visually captivating creations made by their hands and minds.

The event was attended by officials from Shirak Province and the city of Gyumri, senior representatives of the Consulate of the Russian Federation, clergy, renowned masters of dance, and representatives of international organizations.

The event began with a Lord’s Prayer. With the blessing of Rev. Father Harutyun Petrosyan, impressive works by students of the painting and decorative-applied arts clubs were presented. Afterwards, the Center’s Director, A. Minasyan, awarded certificates of appreciation to distinguished educators.

The students delighted the audience with their beautiful performances, creating unforgettable moments. Their performances were also highly praised by the Deputy Consul of the Russian Federation, who emphasized the enduring friendship between the Armenian and Russian peoples.

The wonderful dance performances, led by M. Torosyan and A. Meliksetyan, were accompanied by melodious traditional music under the direction of K. Atoyan. The audience was also impressed by the skillful and dynamic demonstrations of the Center’s martial arts club, led by Ed. Dokholyan.

A report on the importance and value of arts education was also presented by S. Avetisyan, summarizing the significant contribution of the event to the artistic education and upbringing of teenagers.

S. Avetisyan