The Chair of Art History, Theory and Culturology has a rich history of more than half a century and traditions in science and pedagogy. It was established in 1968 and was named the Chair of Teaching Methods and Graphics of Painting.

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Abreast of the sector-specific developments and educational requirements, the Chair went on to be named as the Chair of the Teaching Methods of Fine Arts and Decorative-Applied Arts (1988-2007). Since 2007, it is named the Chair of Art History, Theory and Culturology, reflecting its broad scope of modern science and education.

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Throughout the years, the Chair has been under the direction of Armenia’s well-known and distinguished scholars and artists, including:

✔ Vahram Khachikyan (1968-1984) — Distinguished Arts Worker of the Republic of Armenia, Professor

✔ Harutyun Hovhannisyan (1984-1988) — Associate Professor

✔ Hravard Hakobyan (1988-2000, 2007-2008) — Distinguished Scientist of the Republic of Armenia, Doctor of Arts, Professor

✔ Sargis Terzyan (2000-2007) — Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor

✔ Ara Hakobyan (2008-2017) — Doctor of Arts, Professor

✔ Satenik Melikyan (2017-2023) — Candidate of Arts, Associate Professor

✔ Since 2023, the Chair is under the direction of Candidate of Arts, Associate Professor Syuzanna Grigoryan.

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The Chair provides higher education in both on-site and distance learning systems, with programs in the following areas for Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree:

➜ “Art Theory, History and Management”

This educational program is aimed at preparing high-quality art critics and modern specialists in art management.

Students explore the histories of Armenian and world arts, the fundamentals of art management and marketing, as well as a broad scope of the humanities.

Alumni can go on to pursue their professional careers as art critics, curators and PR managers (in art management and public relations) in Armenia’s galleries, museums, general education and vocational education institutions, as well as on different cultural platforms.

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➜ “Culturology”

The educational program helps prepare specialists who can analyze modern cultural processes and arrange them (culturologists).

Students are introduced to the theory and history of Armenian culture and the cultures of the world; the evolution of fine arts, architecture, music, theater and cinema, as well as the fundamental disciplines in the humanities.

The key component of the educational process is the student internships, during which students are directly engaged in the organizing of cultural events and exhibitions.

The alumni are in demand within state and private cultural organizations, as well as funds and foundations.

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➜ “Arts and Crafts”

In response to the current demands of the labor market and the development of Creative Industries, the Chair has introduced a new and prospective specialization called “Arts and Crafts”.

The educational program successfully synthesizes theoretical knowledge of the arts and the practical skills in traditional and contemporary crafts.

Those who complete this educational program can go on to work as experts in cultural heritage and traditional crafts, teachers in general education schools, coordinators of creative industries and ateliers, as well as present their own creative projects and startups at the intersection of arts and crafts.

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The mission of the Chair is to shape competitive professionals in the areas of art and culture who will be ready to respond to the modern challenges, as well as preserve and popularize Armenian cultural heritage and world cultural heritage.