You may have heard from some of our dear friends and supporters in our latest 20th anniversary podcast series, as we asked them to share their thoughts on AI’s last 20 years and their hopes for our future. We also very gratefully received many warm wishes in the written word from friends and donors, which we’ve compiled here.
Michele Gorgodian
Dear AI – congratulations on reaching your 20th anniversary! Looking back over the years, you can be proud of what you achieved. I have enjoyed many events and publications, as well as the pleasure of meeting the interesting, smart and creative people drawn to your orbit.
So a big thank you to everyone involved, and good luck for the next 20 years.
Nariné Der Hakobian
Hello everyone at the Armenian Institute,
Wishing everyone Շնորհաւոր Նոր Տարի եւ Սուրբ Ծնունդ։
Hoping for a healthy and better 2022 for everyone.
Best Wishes.
Diana Katsouris
I hope I will meet with you all very soon but in the meantime I wish AI a very happy 20th Anniversary and the team every success in the year ahead.
Belinda Keheyan
It’s been a real privilege to be involved in AI over the last two decades, both as a friend/executive member and as an erstwhile trustee. I have enjoyed attending brilliant events, have learnt an awful lot about all things Armenian and above all met some great people, who I now regard as firm friends. I believe I speak for many when I say that there was definitely a gap in the lives of Armenians in Britain that AI has filled and enriched us all in the process. I look forward to what’s yet to come…
Misak Ohanian
AI has enriched the cultural life of our community enormously and may it long continue.
Best wishes for the New Year and Merry Armenian Christmas.
Maral Ovanessof
Happy 20th Birthday AI! 20 years of enriching, heart-warming and delicious events in the company of a family of fascinating individuals, committed to sharing and bringing to life the essence of Armenian-ness, in all its variety. Shad darineru! Շատ տարիներու
Tanya Shamlian
When I was first asked to join the brainstorming sessions at Gulbenkian Hall all those years ago, (agenda: to discuss the type of organisation that could be set up, its objectives, its target users and its name), I knew that with Susan Pattie at the helm, this was always going to be an epic endeavour. Sure enough, I have proudly watched the Armenian Institute over the years, grow from strength to strength, full of continued admiration for the amazing programme of events it has consistently staged and the ever increasing projects it has taken on.
I can’t believe 20 years have flown by and the AI has now grown to become a solid part of the Armenian establishment in London. Nothing even close to this had ever been attempted in London before on such a professional level. This is due of course to the immeasurable commitment of Susan and the other long-standing friends and volunteers of the Institute. AI is a truly 21st century endeavour in every way and that is what makes it truly stand out.
Huge congratulations to the whole team. I know for sure that AI will continue for another 20 years and beyond!