OVERCOME PROVINCIALISM
Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
05 Nov 04
The new academic year will be a turning point for the Institute of
Applied Arts after Gyurjian. Rector Youri Hovhannissian said the
institute adopts the system of higher education adopted almost
everywhere, as well as in Armeniaand Karabakh. However, the rector
mentioned, during the transition the peculiarities of the institute
must be taken into account. Certain courses will be shortened, others
enlarged. For the adequate implementation of this processthey invited
from Yerevan experienced designer, member of the international Union
of Designers and the Union of Designers of Armenia, founding director
of `Anahit Shafarian’ Ltd. Anahit Shafarian. Anahit cooperated with
the institute in the past as well, but now when the institute is
facing such a serious task, the help of the specialist is vitally
necessary. Mrs. Shafarian follows the lessons in all subjects, her
observations and suggestions are discussed by the arts council and
only then the final variant of the syllabus is confirmed. At her
suggestion the direction of the institute used their right to change
partlythe obligatory curriculum (by 5 per cent) and introduced 2 new
subjects: the study of colours and art design. Approaches to the
traditional subjects were reconsidered. Certain subjects, such as
technical modelling which used to be studied superficially now will be
studied profoundly. According to Anahit Shafarian, the institute has
the right to use individual syllabuses, therefore the syllabuses are
considered presently, and the history of fashion design is also
included, which will use information from Russian and international
periodicals, such as `International Textiles’, `Official’. Speaking
about the reasons for fundamental changes, the rector of the institute
said, `Frankly speaking I am not satisfied with what we have achieved
during the existence of the institute. Although it is not too
little. The evidence to this is the full halls during the summer
defiles of our graduates. Recognizing the requirements of modern
business we set a goal for ourselves to raise the level of our
professionalism according to international standards. I am not afraid
to say that we must step out of provincialism.’
SUSANNA BALAYAN.
05-11-2004