First published in the May 28 print issue of the Glendale News Press.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recently released May revisions for the 2022-23 state budget included an additional $10 million for the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center under construction in Glendale.
The proposed new funding would bring the state’s total investment in the museum to $19.8 million.
“The museum leadership and community are extremely grateful to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his continued belief and commitment to the Armenian American Museum,” said Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian in a statement. “From his days as mayor of San Francisco to his time as governor, he has been a consistent supporter of the Armenian American community.”
The announcement follows the museum’s Legacy Gala, which helped push the museum to surpass its $31 million fundraising milestone.
The governor’s proposed budget will need to be approved by the state legislature and is anticipated to be signed into law in June.
Museum officials also lauded state Sen. Anthony Portantino, whose district includes Glendale, for being “the most ardent supporter” of the future institution and helping to secure the prior state funding. Portantino, who maintains an office in Glendale, said he was “pleased, excited and thankful” for Newsom’s additional proposed funding.
“Gov. Newsom understands how important the project is for the Armenian American community and state of California,” Portantino said in a statement. “The governor has always had a deep appreciation and respect for Armenian Americans in California and this proposed allocation reaffirms it with action.”
The Armenian American Museum is slated as a “world class cultural and educational institution” and is currently under construction in the museum campus at Glendale Central Park. The museum will offer a wide range of public programming through the permanent exhibition, temporary exhibitions, auditorium, learning center, demonstration kitchen, archives center and more. The museum broke ground in July.
For more information, visit ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org.
