Free Art Program in Gyumri Supporting Local and Displaced Artsakh Children | Lorik Fund

During a recent visit to Gyumri, we spent time at our Artsakh Tsil children’s art studio, where both local children and children displaced from Artsakh attend daily classes focused on creativity, education, and cultural connection.

What began as a small initiative has grown into a full-time program, offering a structured environment where children can learn, create, and build stability through routine and community.

At the studio, students participate in a wide range of free classes, including:

• Drawing and painting• Puppet making and puppet performance• Carpet weaving and needlework• Armenian dance• Armenian and Armenian Church history• Photography• Artsakh dialect workshops (“բառ բառ”)

Beginning May 1, the program will expand further to include khachkar (խաչքար) carving classes, continuing to strengthen cultural education alongside creative development.

This program now runs daily, serving a growing number of students from different backgrounds — bringing together children who have experienced displacement and those from the local Gyumri community in a shared learning space.

Program Costs & Sustainability

Maintaining the studio requires approximately 600,000 AMD (~$1,600) per month, which includes:

• Two instructors: 160,000 AMD each (~$430 each)• Studio rent: 200,000 AMD (~$535)• Supplies & guest instructors: ~80,000 AMD (~$215)

These costs allow the program to remain completely free for all participating children.

More Than an Art Program

Artsakh Tsil is not just a place to learn artistic skills.

It is a place where children can:

• Build confidence

• Express themselves creatively

• Stay connected to Armenian culture and identity

• Experience stability through consistent, daily engagement

For children who have experienced displacement, and for those growing up in Gyumri, this shared space has become an important part of their daily lives.

Support the Program

As the number of students continues to grow, so does the responsibility to sustain and expand this work.

If you would like to help us keep this program running and expand it to reach more children, your support makes that possible. 👉 Support here: https://www.lorikhf.org/donate