On April 15, the world celebrates World Art Day as a symbol of creativity, cultural dialogue and diversity.

The renowned Armenian poet Avetik Isahakyan, whose 150th anniversary we are celebrating this year, used to compare art with religion, noting that it can make you forget your life and conquer death: you just need to love and devote yourself to it. Another genius, Pablo Picasso, considered the main mission of art to “wash the dust of everyday life from our souls.”

Indeed, art has no boundaries: it speaks to all of us in its own unique, universal language, uniting people regardless of space, time, country, religion, and culture. Art is also a reflection of the identity and spiritual appearance of each nation. For thousands of years, Armenian art has been one of the pillars of our identity, passing on our history, faith, joy, concerns and dreams not only to generations, but to the entire world.

Our history and dreams live in every painting, work, piece of music, and performance. We are proud to have given the world Narekatsi, Kuchak, Saroyan, Tumanyan, Isahakyan, Komitas, Surenyants, Bashinjagyan, Saryan, Gorky, Khachaturian... The list of names can be continued. They have all enriched the treasury and cultural palette of world culture.

At the same time, it is important to recognize and appreciate our contemporary artists, providing them with platforms and opportunities for self-expression, manifestation, and enrichment of the cultural palette.

The cultural reforms of the RA Government aim to create a favourable environment, encourage the international achievements of artists, and present Armenian culture and young creative potential on prestigious platforms.

Dear friends, today is the best opportunity to express our gratitude to the artists who have shaped and created our contemporary history: painters, actors, musicians, writers, sculptors, and everyone else who enhances our spiritual life with their work, promotes and makes Armenia recognizable through culture.

Happy World Art Day.