The Landscape of My Country

February 20, 2016 A combination of both nature and history, a cultural landscape is a changing and constantly evolving territory, the product of a specific geological identity and transformations made by time and people. Both individuals and communities are responsible for protecting and enhancing these landscapes. 
ICOM, 2016

Each year the International Council of Museums proposes a theme for the International Museum Day event, encouraging the promotion of museum issues within society. Prior to International Musuem Day 2016, the theme of which for this year is Museums and Cultural Landscapes, the Cafesjian Center for the Arts launched an educational program in February, entitled The Landscape of My Country, designed for Syrian-Armenian children who immigrated to Armenia as a result of the Syrian civil war.  

The Armenian landscape has long been a source of inspiration for many Armenian painters; creatively developing a visual narrative about Armenia; the land and the nation, past and present. The Armenian landscape evolved into a cultural symbol of a collective identity in works by such famous Armenian painters as Gevorg Bashinjaghyan, Eghishe Tadevosyan, Martiros Saryan, Minas Avetisyan, Haroutiun Galentz, Hagop Hagopian and Arshile Gorky. The Center’s program, The Landscape of My Country, focused on presenting the cultural landscape of Armenia supporting the integration of participating children in the cultural and social life of the country as well as rediscovery of their cultural identity. 

Twenty-four youngsters participated in the program, composed of nine encounters, during which they were introduced to the work and life of featured artists. Inspired by the mindset and style of the artists, the participants created their own works. Visits to the National Gallery of Armenia, the Museum of Modern Art and the Galentz Museum were part of the program, which included a special session outdoors, painting in Yerevan’s beautiful environment.

The program was concluded with an exhibition at the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, featuring a selection of works and reflecting the creativity and inspiration of the participant children.  

The Cafesjian Center for the Arts collaborated with the YMCA-Syrian Armenians NGO in the presentation of this program.