The primary focus of the "Folk Art Hub" educational and cultural foundation revolves around the instruction and promotion of Armenian textile techniques, with a specific emphasis on rug and kilim weaving.
In 2016, the foundation initiated the "Adopt a Loom" project, inaugurating cost-free instruction on rug and kilim weaving techniques in diverse regions and communities across Armenia. This initiative operates in collaboration with local institutions such as schools, cultural centers, or art schools. Before engaging with each community, a meticulous assessment is conducted to identify the prevailing weaving technique, and instruction commences subsequently.
Foundation specialists deliver complimentary lessons on weaving techniques to the selected communities, ensuring the provision of all essential tools, threads, and materials required for the course. A pivotal objective is the seamless transfer of specialized knowledge to new generations, encompassing the comprehensive understanding of weaving techniques' intricacies and stages.
In 2016, the "Adopt a Loom" project was inaugurated in three communities, commencing with carpet weaving courses in the Aragats community of the Aragatsotn region, followed by the Sasunik community in the same region. Concurrently, the project was implemented in the Karakert community of the Armavir region, featuring a course on carpet making.
The project's expansion in 2017 saw carpet making courses conducted in the Hatsik community in Armavir and the Oshakan community in Aragatsotn. Further diversification occurred in the same year with carpet weaving courses in Ptghunk (Armavir), Meghradzor (Kotayk), Voskevaz, and Ujan (both in Aragatsotn).
From 2018 onward, the project extended its reach to new regions, encompassing the entirety of Armenia. Notably, 2018 marked the teaching of various Armenian weaving techniques concurrently in selected communities, covering rug and kilim weaving techniques in Artik (Shirak) and Berd (Tavush), and solely kilim making techniques in Tsaghkunk (Gegharkunik) and Chkalovka (Gegharkunik).
In 2019, the "Adopt a Loom" project initiated collaboration in Ijevan (Tavush), teaching three kilim making techniques simultaneously. Rug weaving courses were introduced in Noyemberyan (Tavush) and Mrgashen (Kotayk). A noteworthy development in the same year was the incorporation of embroidery courses, focusing on the woven stitch technique of Marash embroidery in Semyonovka (Gegharkunik).
The project recommenced its activities in 2021, featuring rug weaving courses in two centers of Martuni (Gegharkunik). In 2022, kilim weaving courses took place in Byureghavan (Kotayk), and in 2023, kilim weaving techniques were imparted in Stepanavan (Lori).
In 2024 the project embraced 4 new communities: Levon Galchyan Art School in Baghramyan (Armavir), Cultural Center in Tegh and Women's Resource Center in Verishen (Syunik), Art School in Gavar (Gegharkunik). Here we teach rug weaving, while in the first three communities kilim weaving techniques are being taught.
Annually, the foundation orchestrates a culminating exhibition showcasing artworks from all participating communities. Following the exhibition, a commendation ceremony is conducted, recognizing outstanding contributors with prizes. This not only stimulates community groups to persist in preserving traditional crafts but also fosters networking and collaboration among diverse communities and cultural centers. The exhibition, hosted at the "Silk Road" hotel in Yerevan, serves the dual purpose of acknowledging achievements and establishing a robust network of communication.
To date, the "Folk Arts Hub" educational and cultural foundation has conducted complimentary courses in seven regions of Armenia, engaging over 26 communities and imparting Armenian folk weaving crafts to 330 or more students. A vital aspect of the project is the commitment to ensuring the continuity of these courses.
