"WE LOVE YOU" A Group Exhibition

Isaac Perelman, Michel Petrucciani, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Andrea Bocelli...internationally renowned artists - loved and praised for their unique talent in presenting their exceptional creative world throughout the globe. The disability of these and many other artists did not prevent them to attain great achievements, live and create as 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 what about 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.
From November 27th to December3rd, 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 curious and concerned art -loving public like artists, reporters, friends and acquaintances. NAI director Thomas Aintabian mentioned that Naregatsi Art Institute has always supported people with disability issues and that Nareg Hartounian, the founding president of NAI, has 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 at a place that is one of the unique cultural institutions operating in Yerevan, where there are all necessary conditions for the people with disabilities 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 expressed their gratitude to the 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?"