GLENDALE—To select the design of its newest t-shirt, the Armenian Cultural Foundation’s “We Are Gyumri” Campaign recently announced the launch of a t-shirt contest for students of local Armenian schools and community centers.
The group, which opened its Shirvanian Youth Center in Gyumri last July, has already staffed the center with a director, rolled out year-round programming and awarded several scholarships.
“We hope to bridge a connection between the Diaspora youth and children in Gyumri, who are enjoying the programs offered at the Shirvanian Youth Center, which foster creativity and innovation,” said Sarine Boyadjian, committee member. “We felt the t-shirt contest would be a fun and creative way of honing a sense of solidarity amongst all Armenian youth, whether living in Los Angeles or Gyumri.”
Submissions for consideration are due by March 10th and the selected design, along with the winning designer, will be announced immediately following the KAHAM Games on March 19th. Submissions should be sent to wearegyumri@ayfwest.org in PDF or JPEG format and should include the designer’s full name and age, as well as their parents’ phone number and email address. Participants should be between 8-18 years of age.
“I have been involved with the ‘We Are Gyumri’ campaign for several years and am truly proud that the committee with the support of our community built such an amazing youth center – giving so many children in our homeland a safe, creative and educational environment to learn and grow,” said Hrache Novruzyan, committee member. “Engaging our children here in California through a t-shirt contest, is a wonderful way of introducing them to the youth center while teaching them about the need to stay connected with their peers in Armenia.”
In addition to coverage on social and media outlets, the creator of the winning design will have his or her work featured on the new “We Are Gyumri” t-shirt and will receive a $200 gift card to Sardarabad. Second and third place winners will receive $100 and $50 Sardarabad gift cards respectively.
“We intend to continue our fundraising efforts to expand the number of scholarships we award from seven currently to 12,” said Boyadjian. “Research is also being conducted in Artik, Armenia for a potential new youth center site as part of a broader Shirak Marz revitalization campaign.”
