Hamazkayin Armenian Educational & Cultural Society
“Klatsor” Chapter
About
The Toronto chapter of Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society (‘Hamazkayin’) was established in 1969 and the first event held in December, 1969 was dedicated to Father Komitas. The founding committee members are Apkar Mirakian, Shoushig Boyadjian, Vahe Mardirosian and the late Nerses Gedikian and Jirair Hovhannesian. Since its inception, the Toronto Chapter of Hamazkayin has grown to become a vibrant presence in the Toronto Armenian community, with over 200 volunteers participating in all aspects of cultural initiatives.
With weekly activities and cultural events that span throughout the year, Hamazkayin Klatsor chapter is the cultural hub of the Toronto Armenian community. In addition to its full plate of events and initiatives throughout the year, which includes performances by groups and artists from North America, Middle East, Europe and Armenia, Klatsor contributes to the success of various community events through its cultural programs, each year.
Executive Committee
2024-2025
Other Cultural Programs Operating Within the ACC
Literary events have formed part of the Toronto Armenian community, thanks to a dedicated group of members who have been able to keep the flame of Armenian literature and language alive for over four decades. Many literary icons have passed through Toronto, among them Aram Haygaz, Hagop Garabents, Vahe Oshagan and the list goes on. On an annual basis, literary events are dedicated famous authors; Moushegh Ishkhan, Silva Gaboudigian, Yeghishe Charents, William Saroyan, Aram Haygaz, Vahe Oshagan, Baruyr Sevag to name a few. As well, poetry recitation contests and literary/musical evenings have been held over the years and continue to date.
Literary youth club was established in 2011, with the aim of providing a platform to aspiring youth to research the works of and present about their favourite author, thereby keeping Armenian literature alive among our youth.
To date, there have been over 40 presentations by approximately 20 youth members, some of whom have become active members of the literary committee. Via regular gatherings throughout the year, individual and group presentations are made and discussions are had, focusing on a particular author, or themes such as female authors, authors during the Genocide years, love, parenthood, etc..
Hamazkayin Klatsor chapter has four scholarships for post-secondary education:
• «Kaloust Babian» Language & Literature Scholarship
• «Souren Chekijian» Media & Visual Arts Scholarship
• «Serj Saroyan» Education Scholarship
• «Edik Hovsepian» Performing Arts Scholarship
To be eligible Students must have completed at least three semesters at a post-secondary educational institution. Generally, a semester GPA of 3.5 is required to be eligible for one of these scholarships.
You can download the application by emailing [email protected]. Application deadline is July 31st, 2020.