“WE LOVE YOU”

A Collective Exhibition

Dedicated to

The International Day of People with Disabilities

Isaac Perelman, Michel Petrucciani, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Andrea Bocelli...internationally renowned artists - loved and praised for their talent and the distinguished way of presenting their unique world throughout the globe. These artists and many more did not allow their disabilities to stop them from realizing their aims and accomplishments as equal members of society. This happens in many countries where people not only talk about equality, competence mutual respect and love, but actually exercise these values. And in Armenia? - Unfortunately many people, many artists are basically cut out of the cultural life in our republic. Regardless of this situation, there are some people and organizations that are actually concerned about this fact and are trying to do everything in their power to be of some assistance to people with disability issues.

On the 27^th of November to the 3^rd of December, on the occasion of the international day of people with disabilities, Naregatsi Art Institute organized a special group exhibition called “We Love You”.

The participants were members of different NGOs like “Unison”, “Prkutyun”, “the Cross of Armenian Unity” and “Pilatelpia”. The artists presented their paintings, carpets, rugs, needlework and designs.

The aim of this exhibition was to trigger the integration process of people with disabilities into the cultural life and attract the society’s attention towards this issue.

The hall of NAI was completely full. The audience consisted of a curious and concerned art -loving public like artists, reporters, friends and acquaintances.

The director of NAI, Mr. Thomas Aintabian stated that Naregatsi Art Institute has always supported people with disability issues and that Nareg Hartounian, the founding president of NAI, always had the intention of creating a cultural environment where everyone would have equal access and rights. “Congratulations, said Mr. Aintabian, Art is for everyone. We love you and you are always welcome here”.

“I can proudly say that I am currently working in a cultural organization, probably one of the few in Yerevan, where people with disabilities have the facility to move about and create”, said Naira Hayrapetyan (PR), “One of the aims of the different events like exhibitions, concerts, screenings organized at Naregatsi Art Institute is to help integrate people with disabilities into society”.

The participating organizations thanked Naregatsi Art Institute for its permanent support. “We are always pleased to participate at the events organized by NAI, somehow we even feel as a part of the family”, said Armen Alaverdyan (Unison NGO), “I wish other cultural institutions and public places would follow NAI’s steps”

“We Thank NAI. This organization has a very dignified mission, stated Grigor Babakhanyan (the Cross of Armenian Unity NGO), “We have to face our consciences and act accordingly. To what extent are we able to live not only for ourselves?”