ArmInfo.The prestigious auction house Sotheby's is interested in collaborating with Armenian cultural organizations, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport (MESCS), citing the results of a meeting between the auction house's delegation, led by Alina Davey, Sotheby's Regional Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Edward Gibbs, Sotheby's Chairman for the Middle East and India, and Zhanna Andreasyan, Head of the MESCS.
The parties discussed ongoing reforms in cultural auctions in Armenia, as well as the potential for advancing international cooperation. In particular, they explored possible areas of collaboration, including the implementation of professional retraining programs, experience exchange, and competency development. The interlocutors also discussed prospects for engaging Armenian contemporary artists, young creators, and representatives of new artistic trends in international auction and exhibition venues, which will promote their enhanced visibility and advancement in the global market.
Welcoming the guests, Zhanna Andreasyan noted that, in accordance with the Armenian government's program and the Strategy for the Preservation, Development, and Popularization of Culture for 2023-2027, the commercialization of the cultural sphere and enhancing the role of culture in public life are priority areas of state policy.
The minister emphasized that the government is consistently taking steps to develop cooperation with international auction houses, which will contribute to strengthening Armenia's position and increasing its authority in the global art market. She added that thanks to its rich cultural heritage, high creative potential, and ongoing reforms in cultural policy, Armenia has the potential to become an important regional platform for cultural auctions, the circulation of works of art, and the development of international professional cooperation. Representatives of the London auction house Sotheby's praised the legislative and institutional reforms being implemented in Armenia in the field of cultural auctions, emphasizing that they create important conditions for the development of international cooperation and the formation of a competitive art market in the region.
Presenting the auction house's main activities, they confirmed their willingness to cooperate with Armenia, including in matters of exchanging information on unique examples of Armenian cultural heritage and facilitating their potential acquisition.
During the visit, representatives of the London auction house Sotheby's also plan to hold consultation meetings with the heads of Armenian museums to discuss further cooperation.
