GLENDALE—The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region applauded and extended its gratitude to California Governor Jerry Brown, Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin De Leon and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon who included in the 2016-2017 State Budget the funding for the Armenian American Museum request submitted by Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian and Senator Carol Liu, as well as securing funds for the Lark Musical Society.

“The ANCA-WR welcomes the funding allocated for the Armenian American Museum as the museum will truly be a multi-faceted, state of the art campus that will not only educate residents and visitors alike about the Armenian history, heritage and experience, but also serve as a place of enrichment for the youth.  We are truly grateful to Assemblymember Nazarian for taking the lead on obtaining funding by submitting the initial request and of course Senator Liu who echoed Nazarian’s request on the Senate side – making it possible for the Assembly and Senate leadership to stand in strong support and receive final approval by the Governor,” stated ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian, Esq.

“It is our hope that this positive action by the State will pave the way for funding from the private sector, foundations, and other government entities,” remarked Hovsepian.

The ANCA-WR Chairwoman added that the organization was pleased to have lent its support toward securing the $1 million funding from the State.  She also expressed a willingness to work with the Armenian American Museum to secure additional State funding in the coming years.

The mission of the Armenian American Museum is to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience. The vision for the  Armenian American Museum is a cultural campus that enriches the community, educates the public on the Armenian American story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity and speak out against prejudice.

Another recipient of state funding was the Lark Musical Society, which received $500,000 for its activities in promoting Armenian music and culture. The ANCA-WR also applauded the state’s leadership and vision for allocating funds that will advance Armenian music and culture.

The LARK Musical Society is a collective of Armenian musicians with a passion for great classical and folk music. Musicianship is the cornerstone of LARK’s activities, however the last twenty years the Society has expanded to become a hub for artists practicing in all mediums.

To date, LARK has organized over 300 concert events, published 30 plus scholarly treatises and musical anthologies, produced 5 compact discs, hosted numerous symposia and lectures, garnered commendations and awards on the state, national, and international level, and educated hundreds of students in a wide range of musical studies.

For more information on the museum please visit armenianamericanmuseum.org.

For more information on LARK please visit www.larkmusicalsociety.com.