It all started with a walk in the park. Washington Square Park, to be precise. On a warm August day in 2017, I found myself in New York City for a global workshop, eager to explore the city and connect with the local Armenian community. Little did I know, this journey would plant the seeds for Armenopole.com, a global platform dedicated to listing Armenian events around the world.
I had meticulously planned my trip, hoping to immerse myself in the vibrant life of New York's Armenian community. I visited the city's Armenian churches and scoured the internet for events—browsing websites, subscribing to mailing lists, and following Facebook pages. Despite my efforts, I found no leads.
On my final day, I walked over 20 kilometers through the city's bustling streets, my phone logging every step. As I passed through Washington Square Park, I was captivated by the sight of a grand piano set up in the middle of the park. A pianist was performing a live concert, and for a few blissful minutes, I stood there, soaking in the music. It was a beautiful moment of serendipity in an otherwise fruitless search.
Later that evening, I made my way to JFK Airport, ready to fly back to Paris. As I waited for my flight, I did one last scroll through Facebook. To my astonishment, I saw a post about an Armenian pianist performing in the very park I had just visited, surrounded by a group of young Armenians. The event had taken place mere minutes before or after my visit. I felt a pang of disappointment. I had been so close, yet so far from the community I sought.
This experience was a turning point for me. It highlighted a significant gap: the lack of a centralized platform for Armenian events. I realized that if I, with all my research and enthusiasm, could miss such an event, countless others might be missing out too. This is when the idea for Armenopole.com was born—a global calendar dedicated to Armenian events, ensuring that no one would have to miss out on the vibrant tapestry of our community ever again.
Armenopole aims to be more than just a website; it is a bridge connecting Armenians across the globe, fostering a sense of unity and belonging. From cultural festivals and concerts to community gatherings and workshops, Armenopole is the go-to resource for anyone looking to connect with Armenian heritage and culture, no matter where they are in the world.
As the founder of Armenopole, I invite you all to join this journey. Share your events, spread the word, and help us build a comprehensive, global network of Armenian activities. Together, we can ensure that no Armenian, anywhere, ever has to miss out on the richness of our shared culture and community.
