This event is an in-person launch of our digital exhibition Armenia Unboxed: Treasures of Cultural Heritage from AI Collections which showcases the gems of our Library & Archives collections and wraps up AI's activities delivered within the project Broadening Access to Armenian Heritage Through Engagement and Resilience generously funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The grant supports a range of activities aimed at expanding participation and audiences and enables AI to provide a safe space for understanding difference and learning about shared heritage. Four main themes emerging from AI’s past work became a framework for this project’s programming: 1) Exploring Gender, 2) Migration, Displacement and Refugees, 3) Neighbours, Historic and Present, 4) Literary Heritage.

C Walker Archives

Inspired by the richness of our Library & Archives collections, we placed a special focus on exploring influences of Armenian literature, language, and writing on Armenian identity and heritage today. The 9,000-volume Library collection includes works in English, Armenian, and other languages, with some rare items dating from the 17th century. The holdings include information about historical, modern and contemporary events and a wealth of literature and poetry, folklore and art-related works. They are a valuable resource for the community and for researchers and give us a wonderfully rich understanding of Armenian heritage and shared histories. The Armenian Institute holds ten archival collections, including those of Prof. Charles Dowsett, concert pianist Elena Kudian, translator Mischa Kudian and photojournalist Harry Koundakjian.