PRESS RELEASE                                                      
September 6, 2007

Embassy of Armenia Holds Art Exhibition, Concert at the World Bank

On September 5, 2007, an exhibition of Armenian paintings and sculptures, dedicated to the sixteenth anniversary of Armenia’s independence, was unveiled at the World Bank Main Building in Washington, D.C. The exhibition, organized by the Embassy of Armenia in conjunction with the World Bank Art Program, showcases more than 40 contemporary Armenian paintings and sculptures. The one-month-long exhibition will provide an opportunity to the multinational staff of the World Bank, members of the DC professional network and diplomatic corps, and the general public to view wonderful specimens of the Armenian culture. A concert of the Armenian medieval music was held on the opening day.

In his remarks during the ceremony, Ambassador Markarian noted that even though sixteen years passed since restoration of Armenia’s independent statehood, the Armenian history, culture and arts go back several millennia. He noted that the Armenian people, despite the many challenges they have faced throughout history, managed to preserve and develop the best traditions of their art and culture. The Ambassador of Armenia underscored the importance of preserving and promoting the Armenian music and arts in the Diaspora, and thanked Rita and Vartkess Balian, Dr. Socrates Boyajian, and Maria Kocharian for contributing to this event. He also noted the successful cooperation between Armenia and the World Bank and commended the commitment of the World Bank to the economic and social development of its member states that, in his words, extends to the culture and arts as well. Director of the World Bank Art Program Marina Galvani welcomed the guests on behalf of the leadership of the World Bank.

The concert and the reception marking the opening of the exhibit drew more than 200 participants, including high-ranking officials from the U.S. State Department and the World Bank, and staff members of the World Bank and IMF, Armenian clergy, and representatives of the Armenian-American community were present at the opening of the exhibit.