At the "Folk Arts HUB" Foundation, we are dedicated to preserving and celebrating Armenia's rich heritage of traditional arts and crafts. Our flagship initiative, the "Adopt A Loom" project, plays a pivotal role in this mission by imparting the timeless skills of rug and kilim weaving to new generations. We are thrilled to share that 2024 has brought new opportunities for cultural enrichment with the addition of four more vibrant communities to our program.
Tegh and Verishen: Weaving Dreams in Syunik
We kicked off the year with enthusiasm as we expanded our "Adopt A Loom" project to Tegh and Verishen in the Syunik region. These picturesque communities are now home to free kilim weaving courses, which are being offered to 10 to 15 participants in each location. Under the guidance of Hasmik Baghdasaryan, a dedicated team was already working at the local cultural center of Tegh to ignite a passion for Armenian traditional crafts among both children and adults. This initiative aims to ensure that the art of kilim weaving remains a vibrant part of these communities' cultural fabric.
Baghramyan: A New Hub for Kilim Weaving
Our journey continued with an exciting collaboration with the L. Galchian Art Center in Baghramyan, located in the Armavir region. This year, we are proud to extend our reach to 12 children from Baghramyan and neighboring communities, who will now have the opportunity to learn the art of kilim weaving. The L. Galchian Art Center serves as a nurturing environment where these young learners can explore their creativity and gain invaluable skills in traditional weaving.
Gavar: Weaving Knowledge into the Future
In 2024, the "Adopt A Loom" program also ventured into Gavar, a city renowned for its commitment to the arts. At the local art school, we are offering rug weaving courses to a group of 16 participants, including teachers of technology and applied art. This initiative aims to equip educators from Gavar and surrounding areas with the expertise needed to teach and perpetuate the art of rug weaving. By empowering these teachers, we are ensuring that the skills and techniques of this ancient craft will be passed down through generations.
Our Commitment to Cultural Preservation
Each of these new community additions reflects our ongoing dedication to fostering a deep appreciation for Armenia’s traditional crafts. Through the "Adopt A Loom" project, we are not only teaching valuable skills but also helping to sustain the cultural heritage that defines our identity. By engaging with local cultural centers and art schools, we are building a network of knowledge and passion that will keep these crafts alive and thriving.
We are immensely grateful to all the communities, cultural centers, and art schools that have embraced this project with open arms. Your support and enthusiasm are vital to the success of our mission.
As we look forward to the future, we remain committed to expanding our reach and continuing to inspire new generations to engage with Armenia’s rich artistic traditions. Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us make a lasting impact on the preservation of our cultural heritage.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from our ongoing projects and join us in the support of our communities by buying the handwoven textiles made by them and for them.