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For me the Academy is
an extraordinary establishment. It happened so that I spent most
of my life here; at first as a student, then as a lecturer,
later as a pro-rector and since 1994 as its rector. I am
thankful to my destiny for this and first of all for the
atmosphere that has always existed in this art institution. It
was thanks to all those wonderful lecturers and employees who
were devoted to this institution. As for the building and the
material and technical conditions, we had a completely different
picture here. Our dream was to see the Academy in a better
condition. We were obliged to get separated from the Theater
Institute, then we started a lasting construction process,
during which we purchased the second building, founded Academy
branches in Gyumri and Dilijan, constructed the exhibit hall,
installed the heating system and finally completely renovated
the Academy. I want to express my deep gratitude to all those
who supported and sponsored us during all those years,
particularly Armenian-American benefactor Albert Boyadjian,
Gagik Tsarukian and of course the RA Government in the face of
Prime Minister Andranik Markarian. But all this was fulfilled
first of all thanks to all those devotees, who surrounded me
both back in the first dark years of Armenia's independence and
now when we are at rise. Today, when the number of students has
tripled, when foreign students strive to receive education in
our institution, when the Academy started breathing anew, we in
our turn must develop. Yerevan State Academy of Fine Arts is 60
years old. I am sure with this new name it will live forever.
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