On October 25, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia dedicated its pavilion in the COP17 Green Zone to culture. Visitors had the opportunity to explore grant programs supporting the creative industries, initiatives by theatre and concert organizations, and Armenia’s cultural heritage—from museum collections and scholarly publications to digital and interactive ways of engaging with art and museums’ educational and cultural programs.
The National Centre of Folk Music and Dance presented Armenian traditional culture and the work of the state ensembles operating under its umbrella, accompanied by dance performances. These included the Armenian State Song and Dance Ensemble, the State Dance Ensemble of Armenia, the ‘Akunk’ State Ethnographic Ensemble, the Barekamutyun State Ensemble and the State Orchestra of Armenian National Instruments.
The Culture Day program also featured the ‘Meknark’ (Start) Talent Development Targeted Program, the ‘Filmmakers without Borders’ educational program, the Short Film Festival, the Fresco International Festival and the activities of the Children’s Special Creative Centre.
The Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vardan Achemyan State Drama Theatre of Gyumri also presented their programs and initiatives.
Gabriel Sundukyan National Academic Theatre intriduced its ‘Classics + Classroom’ educational and cultural program.
Museum-themed activities held a special place in the Culture Day program. The ‘Service for the Protection of Historical Environment and Cultural Museum-Reservations’ SNCO presented replicas of valuable archaeological finds, informational materials and educational programs. Visitors took part in the ‘Restore it Yourself’ educational program and explored the history and architecture of the Garni Temple through a virtual tour using VR headsets.
The Aram Khachaturian House-Museum presented publications on the composer’s life and artistic legacy, museum souvenirs, the ‘Travel with Khachaturian’ program and virtual reality experiences.
The Martiros Saryan House-Museum showcased the artist’s legacy through a combination of traditional and digital formats. Visitors explored his ‘Armenia’ mural using VR technology and viewed reproductions of his works through augmented reality (AR). Books, art albums, postcards and ceramic works were also on display.
The Komitas Museum-Institute presented new publications, with particular attention to the theme of nature in the composer’s works and the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Commemorative medals dedicated to Komitas, catalogues and other publications were also exhibited.
The cultural program concluded with a performance by the ‘Amarak’ Choir of the Komitas Museum-Institute.
On October 26, the Ministry’s pavilion is dedicated to higher education and science. The Higher Education and Science Committee will present its research grant programs as well as the Academic City initiative.
The COP17 Green Zone is open to all visitors daily from 10:00 to 20:00.