Support culture, become a friend of the Armenian Institute
Over the past two decades, the Armenian Institute has proudly established itself as the foremost hub for Armenian culture and the arts in London and the UK. What began as a small but passionate team of volunteers has blossomed into a globally recognized organization, respected for its deep commitment to preserving and promoting Armenian heritage in the diaspora.
This journey has been marked by a dedication to enriching the cultural landscape through education, exhibitions, performances, and community outreach. Today, we are a dynamic and forward-thinking institution, guided by a talented staff and supported by a team of devoted trustees and advisors who share our vision of a thriving, inclusive cultural space.
Our growth and success have been made possible through the unwavering support of our friends, benefactors, and the communities who have stood by us from the very beginning. Together, we have built a family—the Armenian Institute family—that shares a common goal: to preserve, celebrate, and advance the legacy of Armenia and its people, both within the Diaspora and across the world. As we look to the future, we invite you to join us in continuing this vital work. By becoming a friend of the Armenian Institute, you help ensure that our mission to inspire, educate, and connect will endure for generations to come.
How Your Support Makes a Difference
Preserving and Sharing Living History
Your support helps to bring often endangered aspects of Armenian history and culture to life for both the Armenian community and our neighbors, past and present. Through a dynamic range of activities—workshops, discussions, performances, screenings, and book clubs—we foster a deeper understanding of the rich and complex history of the Armenian people. These programs provide a unique experience that allows participants to engage with history and culture in meaningful and interactive ways, ensuring that vital traditions and narratives are not lost but continue to thrive in modern contexts.
Keeping the UK’s Only Dedicated Armenian Library and Archive Accessible
By supporting us, you help to preserve and maintain the only Armenian library and archive in the UK. This space is crucial for scholars, researchers, and anyone with an interest in Armenian culture and history. Your contributions ensure that the collection remains open and accessible to all, allowing visitors to explore a wealth of rare and important materials that might otherwise be inaccessible. This is a key resource for the community, both in the UK and abroad.
Championing Language and Education
The only dedicated Armenian language center in the UK, which we proudly maintain, offers courses in Eastern, Western, and on occasion, Classical Armenian. Your support ensures that these courses continue to be available for those eager to learn and preserve the Armenian language. Beyond language, we are also expanding our educational offerings, creating a comprehensive program on Armenian history, culture, and heritage. This helps to nurture a new generation of individuals with a deep understanding of Armenia's rich cultural tapestry and its significance in the global context.
Amplifying Marginalised Voices
We are committed to providing a platform for under-represented and marginalised voices within Armenian and related communities. With your support, we can continue to create spaces where difficult but necessary conversations can take place, and where important, often overlooked, experiences can be shared. These platforms encourage a diverse and inclusive dialogue, where complex issues related to identity, migration, trauma, and resilience are explored in a thoughtful and respectful environment.
Expanding Outreach through Digital Content
We are developing a wide array of digital content to connect with diverse audiences, including podcasts, magazines, blogs, and more. This content will not only share stories, knowledge, and insights, but also create a space for conversation that transcends geographical boundaries. By supporting us, you help to ensure that these platforms can continue to grow and evolve, reaching new audiences across the world while fostering engagement with a wide range of topics—from contemporary issues facing the Armenian community to reflections on art, literature, and culture.
Be our volunteer
At the Armenian Institute, our dedicated volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Their energy, creativity, and commitment bring our mission to life—whether by supporting cultural events, assisting with research and archives, welcoming visitors, or helping to run workshops and community gatherings. The diversity of volunteer roles reflects the richness of our work, from music and language programmes to exhibitions, talks, and festivals, each opportunity offers a chance to connect with others and strengthen our shared community. Together, our strong cohort of volunteers makes the Institute a vibrant hub where culture, learning, and friendship flourish.
Our friends
Benefactors
The Tanielian Family
Richard Anooshian
Krikor Didonian †
Harry Matossian †
Diana and Panos Katsouris
Patrons
Tatiana der Avedissian
Christine Dilley
Louise Garel-Jones
Shahe and Zvart Gulian
N. Heath
Mareta Kazaryan
Belinda Keheyan
Diana Kevorkova
Hrant Margossian
Nouritza Matossian
Stepan & Rita Ovanessoff
Peter Shahbenderian
John & Penelope Stambollouian
Armenag & Hasmig Topalian
Alan Topalian & Elizabeth Sclater
Dr Tamara Wilson
Friends
Ani and Arnaud Attamian
Tigran Atoyan
Karen Babayan
Haro & Yvonne Bedelian
Doug Berwick
Robert Chandler
Ruby Chorbajian
Joe Crook
Anni Davidian
Natasha der Avedissian
Armen, Ani & Nariné Der Hakobian
Delphine Desprez
Martin Essayan
Jacqueline Faridani
D. Finning
Robert Greaves
Shakeh Harikian
Nora Haroutunian
Annik Hogg
Jean-Michel Johnston
Sossie Kasbarian
Vana Kassardjian
Loussini Khatchadourian
Laura
David Mansbridge
Stephen Masters
Karine Masihi
Paula Melville
Maral Ovanessoff
Elise Ovanessoff
Alexandra Sarkis
Jonathan Swaim
Karin Voth-Harman
Nora Williams
…and all of those who prefer to remain anonymous