Overview of 2024-25 Operations
The Armenian Society of Fellows
The International Network of Scholars & Experts for Armenia
The Armenian Society of Fellows (ASOF) is an international network of many of the most accomplished scholars and experts, from Nobel Laureates to younger scholars in centers of excellence around the world, covering 298 specializations in the Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, and the Humanities.
ASOF was established in 2022 and is registered in the United States, France, and Armenia. The organization is governed by a 15-member Executive Board of scholars; the 349 members of the Society replace three Board members every year through voting during an annual conference.
Mission
❖ To help raise Armenia’s educational and research institutions to world-class levels, and to network them globally
❖ To contribute to the development of a modern, sophisticated, and internationally networked civil society in Armenia
Vision
❖ To help the Armenian Nation achieve its full potential as a key contributor to world culture and to the world’s collective effort to deal with the significant social challenges it faces
❖ To help safeguard Armenian culture in Armenia and abroad, and to expand its visibility and contributions
Strategy
❖ The creation of specific circumstances that encourage local scholars and specialists, together with the Armenian Diaspora experts, to collaborate and to share all or part of their work in Armenia
❖ Connecting individuals and institutions in Armenia with centers of research and education of high standing around the world
❖ Coordinating existing and new projects to multiply their impact; employing an approach that moves away from project ownership and instead focuses on building partnership and on institutionalizing transformative ideas
❖ Focusing on achieving excellence in education, engineering, the humanities, the natural and physical sciences, and the social sciences in Armenia
❖ Offering a platform for gatherings of academics and specialists from around the world interested in the advancement of Armenia in education, engineering, the humanities, the natural
Inaugural ASOF conference at San Lazzaro, Venice, June 2022
The Armenian Society of Fellows
Statistics & Key Achievements to Date
❖ Launching in 2025 the first research center, the Center for Intelligent Computing (CIC), funded by the Armenian government at $8.5 million, for the development of Artificial Intelligence in Armenia — the largest AI computer in the region
❖ Established the ETICA Center at AUA (Center for Ethics in Public Affairs, a Horizon Europe Widening Area project) with a grant of 2.5 million euros from the European Union
❖ Spun off of a new organization, the Armenian Legal Front, a network of international law experts and attorneys, to monitor threats to Armenians and Armenian Cultural Heritage internationally through levers of international law
295 of 349 ASOF members are faculty or researchers in universities and laboratories around the world
55 are professors in the top 100 universities worldwide
A Call to Action
Armenian Cultural Heritage Under Existential Threats
The Challenges
❖ Armenian cultural heritage is being actively targeted and appropriated by hostile entities
❖ Immovable heritage is at risk also in Armenia due to lack of proper norms, gaps in the legal system and poor technical capacities
❖ The importance of Armenian cultural heritage and its economic and political potential are underestimated both in Armenia and abroad
❖ Armenian Cultural Heritage is central to defining national identity and securing sovereignty
The Answer: ArCH Initiative
On December 8, 2023, the ASOF Executive Board voted to establish an Executive Committee called the Armenian Cultural Heritage Council (ArCH) charged with coordinating the initiatives aimed at the protection and promotion of Armenian Cultural Heritage locally and internationally and acting as a focal point of collaborations for all stakeholders.
The Charge
❖ Project soft power internationally in a strategic and coordinated manner; Leverage International law to protect Armenian cultural heritage whenever and wherever possible
❖ Elevate the global recognition of Armenian Cultural Heritage and expand its economic and political potential, position heritage preservation as a catalyst for tourism, job creation, and investment in Armenia
❖ Empower institutions, existing organizations, and civil society, and coordinate their efforts for maximum impact internationally; engage in training, education, and awareness raising
ArCH is unique
❖ It is first and foremost a pool of highly qualified experts — selected among a network of more than 350 scholars from ASOF plus their connections with centers of excellence globally
❖ It is focused on coalition building amongst existing entities, by virtue of its solid relations with and representation from the Armenian government and other stakeholders
❖ It adopts a participatory approach, bringing together groups to avoid duplication and coordinating efforts across government, private institutions, and civil society
❖ It is a more efficient use of existing resources in Armenia and the Diaspora, bringing in a unified approach to cultural heritage preservation and promotion in Armenia and in centers of Armenian culture around the world.
❖ Support the introduction of international standards in Armenia to promote proper preservation of cultural heritage
The ArCH Initiative
A program of the Armenian Society of Fellows
ArCH: Armenian Cultural Heritage is an independent and apolitical committee created inside ASOF dedicated to the sustainable cultural development and protection of the cultural legacy of Armenians, both within Armenia and globally.
ArCH aims to unite and enhance the efforts of all stakeholders, as a strategy for the conservation and promotion of Armenia's endangered cultural treasures and contemporary artistic endeavors –highlighting the importance of awareness and academic collaboration for a peaceful and democratic society in the face of global challenges.
Guiding Principles
ArCH recognizes the role of cultural heritage in the construction of a peaceful and democratic society, in the processes of sustainable development and in the promotion of cultural diversity as described in the Faro Convention and has among its objectives the promotion of a greater synergy of competencies among all the public and all the institutional and private, local and international actors concerned.
ArCH intends to express the views of civil society and, with the promoters of heritage preservation and valorization, to support and facilitate the implementation of activities aimed at the research, preservation, enhancement, and management of the heritage of Armenians, both in Armenia and abroad.
ArCH promotes a participatory approach, based on the notion that the responsibility towards cultural heritage should be both individual and collective. The conservation of cultural heritage and its sustainable use have been proven to be crucial for granting human development and quality of life.
Objectives
❖ Encourage academic research aimed at the proper identification, study, and safeguard of Armenian cultural and artistic heritage wherever they might be located
❖ Foster collaboration and create synergies to avoid duplication and/or replication of projects, with a focus on the fruitful integration of Armenia and the Diaspora
❖ Assist Armenian institutions in the creation, improvement, and implementation of effective legal and regulatory frameworks for cultural heritage protection/promotion
❖ Promote vocational training and school educational programs focused on culture – to foster knowledge, preservation, and production of the arts
❖ Ensure a scienti fi c approach to the preservation of monuments and artifacts and improve local expertise in Armenia
❖ Ensure efficient allocation of resources to support the design, the funding, and the implementation of quality projects,
❖ Enhance the global knowledge and appreciation of Armenian arts and culture, and ensure proper identification of Armenian masterpieces
❖ Facilitate the mobilization of those people who care and promote the involvement of civil society and the younger generations
❖ Promote the natural attractiveness of territories and increase the quality of life of their inhabitants
❖ Promote artists and creative industry
The ArCH Initiative
Four Components Working Together, Each with its Own Focused Role
ArCH is delegated to lead and develop all cultural heritage and arts related activities within ASOF. ArCH consists of:
The ArCH Council
The ArCH Council is a committee appointed by the ASOF Board with executive powers in dealing with all matters concerning Armenian cultural heritage preservation and promotion. The Council consists of 17 prominent international experts and scholars of Armenian cultural heritage. The Council acts as a strategy development point for Armenian tangible and intangible arts- and culture-related initiatives, and as an umbrella for partner organizations engaged in such work, in Armenia and throughout the world internationally. The Council’s charge includes reviewing various new and ongoing projects, and, on an annual basis, endorsing a handful of strategic initiatives.
The Council maintains three ex-officio seats for the government of Armenia: one for the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sports (ESCS), another for the Parliament, and a third for the Urban Development Committee.
SIREH
SIREH — Center for the Study, Preservation and Enhancement of the Armenian Heritage, is a foundation established jointly by ASOF and Gaianè Casnati of the Centro Studi e Documentazione della Cultura Armena — an institution with 50 years long experience in promoting and protecting Armenian cultural heritage. SIREH is the execution arm of the ArCH Council, it is grounded in Armenia and charged with managing the Council’s strategy and vision. It acts as a program manager by supervising the implementation of the projects proposed by ArCH’s partner organizations and by designing and
implementing projects to fulfill ArCH’s strategies. SIREH’s Board of Directors is appointed by the ArCH Council.
Advisory Group & Task Forces
The Advisory Group is a broad group of international experts, including representatives from government agencies, NGOs, Churches, and Diasporan organizations. It is a resource for the Council in its deliberations on strategy and project endorsements. It is meant to be a dynamic group that expands in time and scope as the needs arise.
The ArCH Council also sets up small Scientific Task Forces of scholars and experts to advise specific projects implemented within the broader ArCH strategy.
Partners
ArCH works in a continuous dialogue with main heritage organizations and stakeholders, connecting the world of the cultural sector with both the private and public sectors; as well as bringing together local and international experts. This entails two types of partnerships:
Project Partners
Organizations and entities that propose and own projects, and for which ArCH serves as a coordination point.
Financial Partners & Patrons
Organizations that finance and help fundraise for ArCH Councilendorsed projects.
Governance Model & Operations
ArCH Council
❖ Assessment of needs
❖ Networking
❖ Program management
❖ Project quality control and assessment
❖ Project management for its own projects
❖ Grant preparation and submissions
❖ Training and education activities
❖ Legislative lobbying
❖ Coordination — with scientific task forces, projects, and fundraisers
❖ Promotion & public outreach Board and Director
Partners and Patrons Advisory Group
The ArCH Council, 2024-25
Appointed by the ASOF Executive Board Ar CH
Levon Abrahamian
Head of the Department of Contemporary Anthropological Studies, Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, National Academy of Sciences of Armenia
Armenia
Eva Aroutunian
Head of the Geneva Music Conservatory, President of Association
Ensemble Paul Klee (Bern), Vice-president of Foundation SIGG (Geneva), Board Member of Geneva Music High School, Board Member of FODAC Foundation (Geneva)
Switzerland
Antonia Arslan
Writer Italy
Peter Balakian
Pulitzer prize winning poet
USA
Gaianè Casnati
Europa Nostra Council member, Centro Studi e Documentazione della Cultura Armena Board member, member of ICOMOS Armenia, Toramanyan gold medal recipient and Europa Nostra award winner
Italy
Levon Chookaszian
Director of the Chair of Art History and Theory at Yerevan State University
Armenia
Marina Djabbarzade
Heritage Management Consultant
USA
Jasmine Dum-Tragut
University of Salzburg, Armenian Studies Division (head); Center for the Study of the Christian East (director); Senior scientist in Biblical Studies and Church History; Docent in General and Applied Linguistics; Blue Shield Armenia & Austria; Adjunct Professor in Interdisciplinary Armenian Cultural Heritage Studies, Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography
Austria
Atom Egoyan
Oscar-nominated writer and director (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
Canada
Talinn Grigor
Professor of Art History, University of California, Davis
USA
Nina Hovnanian (chair)
Hovnanian International, CEO Vahakni Residence; Founding Board Member, Yerevan Biennial Arts Foundation; A1 Gallery Board Member; Orran Children’s Center Board Member; Treasures of Armenia / Nina Hovnanian Couture: Founder/owner
Armenia
Christina Maranci
Mashtots Professor of Armenian Studies, Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, Harvard University
USA
The ArCH Council, 2024-25 (continued)
Appointed by the ASOF Executive Board
Charles Personnaz Representatives from the Armenian Government
Center for the Study, Preservation and Enhancement of the Armenian Heritage
Governance
Board of Directors
Peter Balakian
Pulitzer prize winning poet
Emma Harutyunyan
Professor, NUACA; Chair of Theory and History of Architecture and Heritage
Lucineh Kassarjian
ASOF Armenia Executive Director
Haroutioun Khatchadourian
IT and Project Management expert; independent researcher and expert on khachkars
Anna Sirinian
Professor, Università di Bologna, Department of History and Cultures; Director of First Cycle Degree in Anthropology, Religions, Oriental Civilizations
Main tasks for 2024-2025
Executive Director
Gaianè Casnati
Europa Nostra Council member, Centro Studi e Documentazione della Cultura Armena board member, 30 + years of experience in promoting the safeguard of Armenian and European monuments
❖ Supporting the implementation of ArCH projects
❖ Promoting education and training initiatives
❖ Grant writing and networking with international institutions and foundations, supporting the involvement of Armenian experts in international projects
❖ Advocating for legislation that aligns local cultural heritage practices with international norms
❖ Promoting Armenian Cultural Heritage at international events, meetings and conferences
❖ Creating the framework for future communication and public outreach activities
A Hub for Armenia
ArCH was recently invited to become the Armenian Heritage Hub in the context of the European Heritage Hub project lead by Europa Nostra. Europa Nostra is an umbrella association that puts together 250 heritage associations and foundations from all over Europe, with a combined membership of more than 5 million people. Covering over 40 countries, Europa Nostra is recognized as the largest and the most representative heritage network in Europe. It maintains close relations with the European Union, the Council of Europe, UNESCO and other international bodies.
The Centro Studi e Documentazione della Cultura Armena
Center for Study and Documentation of Armenian Culture
SIREH is a continuation of the 50 year old legacy of the Centro Studi e Documentazione della Cultura Armena (CSDCA), building on a tradition of excellence in the promotion and protection of Armenian cultural heritage.
A Historical Context
The CSDCA was established in the late 1960s by Adriano Alpago Novello together with prominent Italian and Armenian scholars, with the support of the Armenian Diaspora, especially the family of Onnik Manoukian who had contributed to the restoration of Surp Hripsimé Church as early as 1965.
The CSDCA has played a pioneering role in the study, documentation, and conservation of Armenian heritage. From its inception, the CSDCA has fostered meaningful collaborations with prestigious academic institutions such as the Politecnico di Milano and Università Cattolica, and has worked closely with the Academy of Sciences of Armenia. This Italian-Armenian synergy laid the groundwork for landmark projects, including exhibitions on Armenian architecture, the translation of seminal works like Toramanian's "Elements of Armenian Architecture", the publication of a series of richly illustrated monographs, Documenti di Architettura Armena, and the organization of international Symposia on
Armenian art that had a crucial role in presenting Armenia to Europe and vice versa.
Over the decades, the CSDCA has expanded its efforts to the restoration of significant Armenian monuments, such as the cathedral of Marmashen and Ererouyk Basilica. Its dedication to academic research, capacity building, and public awareness has connected experts from Italy, Armenia, France, and beyond, and earned recognition from institutions like Europa Nostra and the Armenian Ministry of Culture. Through training programs, like those at the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia (NUACA), the CSDCA has also been instrumental in fostering new generations of heritage professionals.
A Europa Nostra member since 2015, the CSDCA promoted the participation of Armenian experts in the Europa Nostra programs and initiatives.
To further improve the dialogue and collaboration with Armenian institutions and civil society, and to make its role more effective in promoting international cooperation in the preservation of Armenian cultural heritage, the CSDCA joined the ArCH initiative and cofounded with ASOF SIREH, Center for the Study, Preservation and Enhancement of Armenian Cultural Heritage to convey its expertise to ArCH.
SIREH
Center for the Study, Preservation and Enhancement of the Armenian Heritage
SIREH projects for 2024-2025
Armenian Heritage Management System
❖ Publishing a book on the immovable heritage of Artsakh to be funded by Getty Trust
Armenian Heritage Hub
❖ Mapping Armenian heritage organizations, assessing their needs, and promoting their inclusion in the Europa Nostra network in coordination with the European Heritage Hub of Athens
❖ Publishing a study on Armenian legislation for cultural heritage
❖ Promoting the inclusion of Armenian sites in the 7 Most Endangered scheme of Europa Nostra and promoting the submission of Armenian projects for the Europa Nostra award 2025
❖ Allowing the participation of Armenia in the European project MERITA with the organization of concerts of a European quartet in Armenia
Enhanced Monument Preservation
❖ Organizing training and supervising the implementation of the preservation works for the basilica and the mausoleum of Ererouyk with the MESCS
❖ Supporting the organization of the Master in Monuments Preservation at NUACA with the promotion of workshops with international experts (i.e. digitization of Armenian epigraphy, seismic retrofitting of built heritage, budgeting preservation works, monuments preservation, etc)
❖ Preparing project proposals to the Small Grant Scheme of the American Embassy (education at Ererouyk; study of frescoes at Ererouyk with the Getty Trust)
❖ Supporting the Politecnico di Milano and the Fondazione Politecnico in the submission of a proposal for the preservation of an Armenian monastery affected by climate change (Kobayr)
Smaller projects
❖ Initiating a program for Wikipedia with Armenian high schools
❖ Designing a project for the realization of specialized first aid/ maintenance work on small monuments in remote communities
❖ Supporting the organization of a program for Environmental studies at NUACA with the University of Strasbourg
❖ Supporting small Armenian heritage organizations with small grants
SIREH Annual Operational Budget
Total: $84,000
A lean and expert operation
❖ director
❖ assistant
❖ accountant
❖ logistical support for activities and communication
Endorsed by the ArCH Council on June 2024
1. Armenian Heritage Hub
$75,300
Managed by SIREH - implemented in partnership with the European Heritage Hub of Europa Nostra
2. Armenian Heritage Management System
$306,000
Managed by SIREH - implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports
3. Enhanced Monument Preservation
$98,955
Managed by SIREH - implemented in collaboration with NUACA, the Scienti fi c Research Center for Historic Monuments Preservation and Polimi
4. Armenian Literary Odyssey, from Local to Global
$355,000
Managed and implemented by ARI Literary Foundation
Armenian Heritage Hub
Promoting Armenia in the European Heritage Hub Project of Europa Nostra
Mission
❖ Promote Armenian heritage and Armenian heritage professionals in Europe
❖ Promote European quality standards in Armenian monuments preservation
Objectives
❖ Strengthen International Connections: integrate Armenia into a larger European heritage network, by accessing best practices, international funding, and expert guidance, to position Armenia as a key player in cultural preservation
❖ Empower professionals, institutions and communities : through training, education, and pilot projects that reinforce local capacities
❖ Promote a greater involvement of the younger generations
❖ Protect Armenian Cultural Heritage at Risk: through support and expertise of Europa Nostra and European heritage networks
❖ Unlock Economic and Cultural Value to attract greater investment and recognition
❖ Promote Armenian Cultural heritage internationally and Armenia as a cultural destination in partnership with
Planned Activities
The Armenian Heritage Hub project consists of the following activities delegated to SIREH and approved by the ArCH Council:
❖ Mapping heritage organizations actives in Armenia and abroad, assessing their needs and aspirations, promoting collaboration and synergies
❖ Building networks and connecting with relevant European and international institutions
❖ Conducting a research on the Armenian legislation for Cultural Heritage, publishing it and advocating for legislation that aligns cultural heritage practices with international norms
❖ Promoting the organization of workshops and trainings in Armenia and supporting the participation of Armenian experts and stakeholders to workshops organized abroad
❖ Setting a strategy and the technical framework for communication and outreach
Armenian Heritage Hub
Promoting Armenia in the European Heritage Hub Project of Europa Nostra
Scope
The recent conflict has highlighted the fragility of Armenian Cultural Heritage and it also showed that its importance goes beyond borders. Culture is the best support for social cohesion, defense policies, the green transition, AI regulations, trade, and external relations. The creation of a Hub in Armenia will allow Armenian heritage specialists to be fully involved in the European Heritage Hub activities and will substantially contribute to raising awareness about Armenian heritage.
Context
The European Heritage Hub is a pilot project launched by a consortium of 20 partners, led by Europa Nostra and co-funded by the European Union. The project brings together a large array of heritage stakeholders and initiatives, responding to the need for a more structured cooperation and coordination at all levels of governance, from local to European and international. The EHH project builds the capacity for action and advocacy of the European heritage sector to support the transition towards a more sustainable, innovative and inclusive future and aims at building meaningful bridges between regions, countries and communities in the European Union and beyond.
Execution
A task force was set up by the ArCH Council to oversee the science content of the project:
Gaianè Casnati (Europa Nostra)
Marina Djabbarzade (Heritage Management Consultant)
Lucineh Kassarjian (ASOF Armenia Executive Director)
Haykuhi Muradyan (Yerevan State University - YSU)
Stavroula Thravalou (European Heritage Hub AthensElleniki Etairia)
Timeline
The project is to be realized over 3 years. If successful, it will become a permanent action of the European Union. Below the first year’s timeline:
Research on heritage legislation
Mapping heritage Organizations
Publications and outreach Workshops and trainings
Connections
The project will be implemented in collaboration with Europa Nostra and under the coordination of the European Heritage Hub of Athens, which coordinates the activities for the Caucasus, the Balkans, Ukraine, Belorussia and Moldova.
Armenian Heritage Hub
Promoting Armenia in the European Heritage Hub Project of Europa Nostra
2024-25 Budget - $75,300
Already Secured: $18,000 from Europa Nostra
Remaining Funding Need: $57,300
$8,750 Mapping heritage organizations in Armenia and abroad
$5,000 Completing ongoing research on and assessment of Armenian legislation for cultural heritage
$15,350
Organizing conferences, workshops, and trainings in Armenia and online; supporting the participation of Armenian experts and stakeholders in workshops organized abroad
SIREH
European Heritage hub of Athens - Europa Nostra
SIREH
Yerevan State University
$28,350
Website and communication framework, small videos and outreach
$10,000 Small grants and prizes to support small heritage organizations in Armenia on specific tasks
$7,500 Administration/program management/promotion/assessment/ auditiing
Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports
SIREH and ASOF NUACA
Europa Nostra
International Universities (Politecnico di Milano, Université Lumière Lyon, EPFL Losanne, SUPSI, etc.)
SIREH
European Heritage Hub of Athens
Yerevan State University
SIREH
European Heritage Hub of Athens - Europa Nostra
SIREH
Armenian Heritage Management System
The Pan-Armenian Cultural Heritage Database
This is an ongoing program executed on a yearly basis for selected domains. It consists in establishing a Pan-Armenian Heritage Management System, a formal digital inventory that conforms to international scientific and legal standards to allow a better governance of heritage and its preservation and protection. The approach is incremental and continuous. Once the management system and the IT framework are created, the program will promote and support the collaboration of all relevant stakeholders for data population purposes. Priority will be given to the input of data related to the immovable heritage of Artsakh.
Mission
❖ Supporting Armenian institutions in updating their processes in data collection and management and in improving institutional collaborations and management
❖ Promoting digitization of data to make Armenian culture accessible to a larger community of scholars and to the public worldwide, through its publication in international platforms (i.e., Europeana)
❖ Promoting Armenian culture and heritage internationally and keeping track of centuries of Armenian heritage around the world to protect it from destruction, falsification, and neglect
❖ Contributing to the fostering of the Armenian identity and to projecting soft power strategically
Open-source project to be co-owned by:
Armenian Heritage Management System
The Pan-Armenian Cultural Heritage Database
Scope
To build a pan-Armenian cultural heritage database in order of priorities, starting from immovable heritage (monuments and archaeological sites) and including data concerning monuments of Artsakh, Armenia, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Context
The existing databases and management systems have many gaps, are often difficult or impossible to access, and do not conform to international norms and legal standards. Irrespective of the wealth of the heritage, without proper organization, access, and promotion, it is in danger of being lost and/or perverted by others. At a time when the Armenian heritage is targeted, this project is an urgent effort to address these shortcomings in an era where information technology is a critical ingredient in heritage preservation and management, policy making, international geopolitics, and security and the development of AI poses new challenges.
Execution
The ArCH Council has appointed the following task force to oversee the science content of the project:
Gaianè Casnati (Europa Nostra),
Patrick Donabedian (Université Aix-Marseille),
Jasmine Dum-Tragut (University of Salzburg), Khachik Harutyunyan (head of a Scientific Research Center under ESCS),
Haroutioun Khatchadourian (IT and Project Management, Supelec Paris),
Karnik Kerkonian (International attorney), Christina Maranci (Harvard University).
The system will be based on Synergy’s platform used by governments around the world, donated to the project by Synergy. Cybersecurity will provided by the Information Systems Agency of Armenia (ISAA). The database will be co-owned by SIREH, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports (ESCS), and the U.S.-based National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR).
Project phases
The setup is designed to start with immovable heritage (architectural and archaeological elements), and would be expanded to include other cultural domains (sculptures, archaeological fi ndings, paintings, ethno-anthropological material heritage such as textile art, and ceramics, literature and manuscripts, films and and photography, immaterial heritage such as cuisine, dialects, and oral traditions, music,…). For each typology, the project would include the CIDOC identification, the creation of the IT framework and the data population.
Armenian Heritage Management System
The Pan-Armenian Cultural Heritage Database
2024-25 Budget - $306,000
Already Secured: $100,000 /year donated by Synergy
Remaining Funding Need: $206,000
$50,000 Identification of the needs - CIDOC Processing of tools, data and processes
$150,000 Software development and testing
Ministry of ESCS ArCH Task Force
NUACA, Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography
SIREH
Synergy platform (donated) + 2 IT technicians for 2.5 months. Cybersecurity provided by ISAA
$40,000 Data and testing
$7,000 Travel
$35,000 Training & data
$24,000 Administration/program management/promotion/ assessment/auditiing
Collection Scanning Heritage managers
From and to France and Armenia
From and to Italy and Armenia
Training personnel Hosting and updates
SIREH
Enhanced Monument Preservation
Preserving the Past for Future Generations
Mission
With this project SIREH and ArCH seek to consolidate and amplify the efforts of all relevant stakeholders, positioning this collaboration as a pivotal approach for safeguarding and promoting Armenia's imperiled cultural heritage. We advocate for leading by example to inspire substantial and lasting improvements. Choosing the Ererouyk basilica as the pilot project epitomizes the culmination of extensive efforts towards fostering productive partnerships between international and local experts. This initiative seeks to foster sustainable preservation methods, improve regulatory frameworks and set new standards for future preservation practices across Armenia.
Project implemented in collaboration with:
Objectives
Building on years long scientific research and experience, this project aims to:
❖ Enhance local expertise and the capacity of local preservation workforce
❖ Promote the update of the regulatory systems and the promotion of Armenia's cultural legacy through international partnerships with a particular focus on the price list for preservation works
❖ Test innovative preservation methodologies on Armenian monuments
❖ Support the organization and the development of the University Master in Monuments Preservation at NUACA and promote intergenerational exchange
❖ Create educational materials and documentation on the preservation process
❖ Raise awareness about internationally recognized preservation practices
Planned Activities
❖ Technical supervision of the preservation works implementation
❖ Hands on training for local workers and restorers
❖ Ex-cathedra and hands on lessons offered to the students of the Master in Monuments Preservation
❖ Scientific testing of the stony materials (mapping all the mortars to complete the information on the walls stratigraphy and test the stone stiffness)
❖ Creating didactic materials
❖ Testing each operation and creation of a price list for preservation works
Enhanced Monument Preservation
Preserving the Past for Future Generations
Scope
The proposal is to build an extensive, years-long research and educational program at NUACA, that showcases a unified approach to cultural monument preservation: i.e., scientific research, innovation with respect to traditions, education, training, and awareness raising. The teaching will have a strong practical component provided thanks to the collaboration between SIREH, NUACA and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports (ESCS) that will also make the master in Monuments Preservation attractive to foreign students.
The involvement of all stakeholders ranging from the Government and universities to the private sector will facilitate the elaboration of technical proposals for the updating of some norms and regulations to improve the environment for the design and implementation of preservation projects, increasing the capacities for monuments preservation.
The project will leverage all the possible synergies and collaborations with international universities using all the opportunities provided by international projects like Erasmus plus, Creative Europe, the European Heritage Hub.
Execution
A Task Force of multidisciplinary experts from different countries was set up by the ArCH Council:
Gaianè Casnati (Europa Nostra), Patrick Donabedian (Université Aix-Marseille),
Dario Guerini (Botticino School of Restoration),
Emma Harutyunyan (NUACA),
Nanar Kalantaryan (NUACA),
Lorenza Petrini (Politecnico di Milano),
Nuné Petrosyan (Urban Development Committee),
Stefano Volta (University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland).
Context
In a context where preservation efforts are often mistakenly equated with arbitrary reconstruction, this initiative stands as a vital call to action. Taking the preservation of the monument’s authenticity into account as essential for retaining its historical and religious significance, the project will also contribute to safeguarding the Armenian collective faith, culture, and history, thus ensuring their survival for future generations.
Timeline
The full project will be realized over the course of 5 years. Below is the annual cycle:
Masters program at NUACA
On-site training
Didactic material
Standardized price list
Enhanced Monument Preservation
Preserving the Past for Future Generations
2025 Budget - $98,955
Already Secured: Financing for the preservation works implementation from the Ministry ESCS tbd
$30,700
On-site training (three 1 week intensive sessions in Anipemza on the field yard of the small building north to the basilica supposed to be a mausoleum)
Intensive 1 week workshops in Armenia (10 workshops)
$36,900
Including travel and logistics costs involving the students of the Masters in Monuments Preservation of NUACA + students tutor
Restoration experts from Italy Politecnico di Milano, Arché restauri, SUPSI, Acanthus restauri, Botticino, NUACA and SIREH
SIREH and the Hera consortium of ASOF NUACA
Europa Nostra
International Universities (Politecnico di Milano, Université Lumière Lyon, EPFL Losange, SUPSI, etc.)
$9,955
Special equipment purchase and didactic materials creation and publication for the Master in Monuments Preservation
$11,600 Technical assistance for the creation of a price-list for preservation works
SIREH NUACA
SIREH + international experts
Creation of a specialized group with the Urban Development Committee
$9,800 Administration/program management/promotion/assessment/auditiing SIREH
*$175,000 Funded by U.S. Embassy for preservation works on the basilica in 2024. A second installment is foreseen for 2026 EREROUYK basilica first phase of the preservation work (up to 2m high)
Armenian Literary Odyssey
From Local to Global
Over a 5 year period, the project’s goal is to secure the most prestigious title in the publishing world for Armenia - the Frankfurt Book Fair Guest of Honor.
This would propel Armenia into the heart of cultural discourse. Intellectuals, artists, academicians, political leaders, and consumers of literature alike will discover the richness of Armenian literary and cultural expressions, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our heritage, contemporary thought, and our place in the modern world.
To achieve this goal, the project has a multi-pronged approach:
❖ extending the visibility of Armenia at international book fairs and industry events
❖ building up towards the Guest of Honor title at the largest book fair in the world, the Frankfurt Book Fair; and
❖ the development of a robust translation program.
Armenian Literary Odyssey
From Local to Global
Scope
The project targets book publishing as a means to advertise and promote Armenian culture. While this naturally involves the promotion of Armenian literature, the intent is to promote other forms of culture as well through the medium of books: architecture, music, textile art, dialects, cuisine, and other intangible forms of art.
Context
Armenia’s presence on the international literature and art scene has remained very limited due to a lack of a coordinated effort to promote the cultural heritage of Armenia, despite having an immense pool of material and potential for development. The project aims to create that coordination point in the medium of books (paper and digital) and literature.
Execution
The project would be led by ARI Literature Foundation, with the help of SIREH and in collaboration with Armenian governmental and state institutions. There are three main directions that are to be executed in parallel:
❖ Participation and visits to international book fairs, setting up Armenian booths and organizing presentations
❖ Training and running translation workshops for writers and experts, with a systematic effort to support the translation of key literature from and to Armenian
❖ Organization of international conferences in Armenia, inviting key players from the publishing and art world
Timeline
The project involves 5 broad annual phases and an effort build-up over 5 years.
Market research & branding
Participation in book fairs
Translators residency
Local events
Translators residency
Armenian Literary Odyssey
From Local to Global
2024-25 Budget
Funding Need: $352,000
The project necessitates 5 years of operations to build up towards the Guest of Honor status at Frankfurt. Below is the typical annual budget
$115,000 Book fairs
$45,000 Invitations and local events
$40,000 Translation program
$60,000 Translation grants
3 book fairs with stands and 1 Leipzig with events
3 study visits
4 staff members
20 international publishing professionals visits
1 international conference
14 translators and 2 trainers
2 public reading sessions Film about the program
20 grants for local and foreign writers
3 international conferences: Yerevan, Venice, NYC
$22,000 Accounting/auditing/assessment ARI
$70,000 Administration/program & event management/promotion ARI
Patrons of Armenian Cultural Heritage
Because Hidden Treasures are no Treasures Ar CH
Project Patron Project Budget
❖ Exclusive access
❖ Logo on all PR material
❖ Monthly detailed updates
❖ Assessment reports
SIREH Patron
$40,000
❖ Logo on all SIREH projects without project patron
❖ Monthly report on all SIREH operations
❖ PR material shared with donor
ArCH-SIREH Patron
$60,000
All benefits of SIREH Patron plus:
❖ Invite to annual ASOF conference
❖ Access to ASOF Monthly publication available only to ASOF members — analysis articles
Project details, including science content and detailed plans/budget, will be provided upon request
The Armenian Society of Fellows P. O. Box 60923, Pasadena, CA 91116
Société Savante Arménienne
Bibliothèque Nubar, 11 Sq. Alboni, 75016 Paris, France