Cafesjian Museum Foundation
The "Yerevan Collectors Choice" series at the Cafesjian Center for the Arts is a groundbreaking project that continues its founder, collector, and philanthropist Gerard L. Cafesjian’s vision of making private collections accessible to the public. Over the past decade, the series has hosted five exhibitions, each unveiling hidden layers of Armenian art across classical, modern, and contemporary periods—from early 20th-century works to Soviet-era underground art and modern abstraction and pop art. These exhibitions, such as the first featuring Poghos Haytayan, Robert Elibekian, and Oshin Yeghiazariantz, and the fifth showcasing Tatul Arakyan's collection, have provided a unique platform for local collectors to share their treasures, reinforcing the role of private collectors as key contributors to cultural heritage.
Each exhibition in the series has been meticulously curated to reveal the deep connections between collectors and their chosen works. The series has had a profound impact on the local art scene, filling gaps in the representation of Armenian art by introducing the public to previously inaccessible works. It offers a comprehensive view of Armenian fine arts, highlighting lesser-known artists from the Armenian Diaspora and documenting the evolution of Armenian art through various periods.
Educational programs, such as Design Your Plate and Discovering the Graphic Arts, complement these exhibitions by engaging visitors of all ages in creative exploration, ensuring the series’ influence extends beyond the gallery space. Additionally, the publication of detailed catalogs for each exhibition adds to the project’s sustainability and educational value, preserving narratives and insights for future generations. Through its innovative and inclusive approach, the "Yerevan Collectors Choice" series has become a vital cultural platform, enriching the broader dialogue on Armenian art and contributing to the continuity and dynamism of the country’s artistic heritage. The Cafesjian Center for the Arts will continue this series, unveiling new unexplored pages of modern and contemporary Armenian art, but not limited to it.
Explain in one sentence why you think the project you nominate is outstanding and could serve as an example for the entire community of modern and contemporary art museums.
The "Yerevan Collectors Choice" series is a pioneering initiative that transforms private collections into public narratives, revealing unseen layers of Armenian art across eras and styles, while fostering a collaborative, inclusive cultural dialogue that challenges and enriches the practices of modern and contemporary art museums worldwide.
Explain why this practice or program is relevant and sustainable in creating meaningful and lasting connections with people, communities, and the museum context with a medium to long-term vision.
The "Yerevan Collectors Choice" series creates lasting connections by actively involving local collectors and communities in the curatorial process, ensuring the exhibitions resonate on both personal and cultural levels. By showcasing a diverse range of Armenian and international art, the series fosters meaningful cross-cultural dialogue and enhances its relevance across generations. The series’ long-term sustainability is underpinned by its commitment to research, education, and conservation, allowing it to evolve while preserving cultural heritage. This adaptable approach promotes ongoing exploration and engagement, making it a model for enduring, impactful museum practices that connect people, communities, and institutions over time. Through its focus on continuity and innovation, the series exemplifies how museums can remain relevant and influential in the long term.