KOMITAS MUSEUM-INSTITUTE

The Komitas Museum-Institute officially opened its doors on January 29, 2015 and has allowed for the appreciation of and continuation of Komitas’s legacy ever since. The museum-institute aims to present Komitas’s life and his various creative activities comprehensively, as well as raise awareness of his multilateral impact on music. The institution is equipped with modern technology, has a concert hall, permanent and temporary exhibitions, and a library.

Komitas Museum-Institute is located in Yerevan, in the park named after Komitas, and built upon the foundations of the former Palace of Culture. The latter was designed by architect Koryun Hakobyan, while the architect of the museum-institute is Arthur Meschian. The construction was financed by the Pyunik Human Resources Development and Luys Foundations.

Typical Volunteer Tasks: Assisting the museum guides in various languages. Conducting research and helping with translations. Supporting the marketing and communications team.

THE MESROP MASHTOTS INSTITUTE OF ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS (MATENADARAN)

The Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, commonly known as Matenadaran, serves as both a museum of ancient manuscripts and a scientific research institute. It is a major center with a unique and exceptionally rich manuscript collection, one that has become a symbol of Armenia. Matenadaran is one of the world’s richest manuscript depositories, with a collection of nearly 17,500 manuscripts covering almost all areas of ancient and medieval Armenian Culture and Science: history, geography, grammar, philosophy, law, medicine, mathematics, cosmology, chronology, alchemy, literature, art history, miniature painting, music, literature in translation, etc.

Typical Volunteer Tasks: Volunteers at Matenadaran contribute to various tasks aimed at supporting the institute’s operations and exhibitions. Additional tasks include working on the website, editing, translating and proofreading materials, and assisting with exhibition preparation.

ORDER FILM PRODUCTION

Order Film Production is a comparatively young film production company established in 2019. Its main goal is to promote film production in Armenia as well as to implement joint projects with local and international film production and TV companies. Their films in feature, documentary, and animation genres are made in accordance with international standards – some of which are ultimately featured in international film festivals. They also realize TV projects, which are mainly cultural and cognitive programs, through which viewers are exposed to spiritual and cultural values. Check out the following blog post about volunteering in the film industry in Armenia.

Typical Volunteer Tasks: Order Film provides a great chance for individuals to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of filmmaking while contributing to the growth of Armenia’s film sector. Opportunities involve from assisting with film production to video editing, and public relations.

THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MUSEUM & INSTITUTE (AGMI)

AGMI, a non-profit organization based in Yerevan, is dedicated to the academic and scientific study, analysis and exhibition of textual and visual documentation related to the first Genocide of the 20th century –  the Armenian Genocide. AGMI’s objectives include promoting the collection, study and presentation of the visual textual materials, as well as artifacts, pertaining to the life of the Western Armenians in the Ottoman Empire before and during the Genocide. Furthermore, the Museum aims to enhance  cooperation and collaboration among organizations worldwide involved in genocide research, particularly the Armenian Genocide; establish an academic institution on Genocide Studies in Armenia; raise international awareness among the international community about the Armenian Genocide as a crime against humanity; and preserve and honor the Tsisternakaberd memorial complex of Genocide victims and the Tisernakaberd park. Check out these three blogs featuring volunteers who worked with the AGMI:  Blog 1, Blog 2, Blog 3

Typical Volunteer Tasks: Volunteers primarily assist with research, content editing, translation, and proofreading of materials. Tasks are tailored to each volunteer’s expertise, ensuring effective contribution.

ARAM KHACHATURIAN MUSEUM

Established in 1978, shortly after the composer’s death, the Aram Khachaturian Museum stands as a tribute to his life and work.In addition to its regular exhibitions, the museum actively seeks to enrich its collection with materials related to A. Khachaturian, meticulously curating and presenting his heritage to the public.

Typical Volunteer Tasks: Typical volunteer tasks at the museum encompass a range of activities aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and expanding outreach efforts. Volunteers also contribute by teaching English and French to improve guided tours, assisting with social media management and advertising initiatives, proofreading English texts, and translating documents.

INSTITUTE OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND ETHNOGRAPHY

Founded in 1959, the Institute is dedicated to research in Armenian archaeology, ethnography, folklore, anthropology, and ethno-sociology. Engaging in archaeological excavations and the collection of ethnographic and folklore materials, the Institute plays a vital role in preserving and understanding Armenia’s cultural heritage. Regular publications provide insights into its ongoing activities and findings.

Typical Volunteer Tasks: Tasks at the Institute involve assisting with archaeological excavations and conducting research. Volunteers contribute their time and efforts to support the Institute’s fieldwork and academic endeavors, supporting the advancement of knowledge in these disciplines.

GOLDEN APRICOT YEREVAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The GOLDEN APRICOT Yerevan International Film Festival has as its goal the building of cultural bridges and fostering dialogue among different countries. It annually features films in numerous languages and of various genres. The festival implements a variety of workshops, meetings, and training sessions.

Typical Volunteer Tasks: Typical volunteer tasks at the festival involve administrative duties with a focus on communications, as well as assisting in event organization. Volunteers play an active role in assisting in a range of events, including meetings with producers, work-in-progress workshops, master classes, and trainings. Through these events, young filmmakers are provided with valuable opportunities for learning, sharing traditions and expertise, and pushing creative boundaries.

BARS MEDIA DOCUMENTARY FILM PRODUCTION STUDIO

With the understanding that the power of film is often greater than the power of words, Bars Media has become an outlet for honest, responsible, and trustworthy voices to express themselves, to inspire dialogue, to create socially conscious films, and to encourage constructive social change. Explore this blog highlighting a former volunteer’s experience.

Typical Volunteer Tasks: Volunteers with a passion for documentary films play a vital role in supporting Bars Media’s endeavors. They additionally contribute to the development of English content, assist in media and marketing initiatives, and actively engage in ongoing projects.

AKNA CULTURAL SOCIETY NGO/ THE GURDJIEFF ENSEMBLE

The Akna Cultural Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the research, organization, and international promotion of Armenian music. It aims to share Armenia’s musical heritage through concerts, workshops, master classes, discussions, collaboration with festivals and other groups, preparation of short documentary films and websites, and partnering with the media. The organization has several projects, with one of its most successful being the Gurdjieff Ensemble, harmoniously combining Armenian folk instruments.

Typical Volunteer Tasks: Typical volunteer tasks at the Akna Cultural Society encompass video editing, script editing, and working on short documentary film production. Volunteers are involved in preparing and editing texts for their websites, and contribute to the development of cultural media marketing strategies.

THE MUSEUM OF RUSSIAN ART

The Museum of Russian Art  in Yerevan stands as the sole institution in Armenia dedicated to showcasing the works of Russian artists from the esteemed Silver Age period, often referred to as the Russian “cultural Renaissance” by philosopher Nikolai Berdyaev. Founded in 1980 through the personal collection of Doctor and Professor Aram Abramyan, the museum holds significant cultural value in Yerevan’s art landscape.

Typical Volunteer Tasks:  Volunteers are engaged in managing souvenir sales, assisting with public relations efforts, curating content for the museum’s website, and aiding in the organization of museum events.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ARMENIA

National Gallery of Armenia stands as the preeminent fine art museum in the country, boasting the world’s largest collection of Armenian fine art. With over 40,000 invaluable works spanning Armenian and foreign artists, the gallery is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and promotion of fine art. Check out the following blog post for further insights into volunteering experiences.

Typical Volunteer Tasks:  Volunteers can engage in public relations efforts, support educational projects by organizing interactive excursions for children, and assist with developing the museum shop. Additionally, volunteers may aid in fundraising and marketing endeavors, conduct conversational English classes, contribute to branding efforts, and provide support for educational projects.

HISTORY MUSEUM OF ARMENIA

The mission of the History Museum of Armenia is to preserve, replenish, study and publicize the history and culture of Armenia and the Armenian people. With about four hundred thousand archaeological, ethnographic, numismatic and other collections, the museum tries to bridge the past and the future.

Typical Volunteer Tasks:  Volunteers will be tasked with various jobs associated with the different departments of the museum, helping the museum’s staff with the ongoing works including restoration, curation, digitization of the archives and excursions/tours. Additionally these tasks can include translations, website development, event organization, marketing.