Gohar Mnatsakanyan’s “Bohem” against the desire to leave the city

“When I returned to my birthplace after graduating from the university, I personally had a problem to try to do something to adapt to Sevan. In this path, I met people who shared the same worldview with me, and my need became our need” So, this is how the idea of Bohemian origins, – according to Gohar Mnatsakanyan.

After graduating from the Faculty of Painting at Yerevan State Pedagogical University, for Gohar it becomes more and more clear that it is necessary to introduce active leisure in the life of her native city, to eliminate chronic passivity and disappointment, not to leave. Youth with the same concerns and thoughts unite, creating the Sevan youth club, constantly thinking about implementing cultural projects. The idea that has been cherished for years has become a reality thanks to the Community Development through Social Entrepreneurship program. “Bohem” studio-teahouse is created. the place where people are offered to relax with cultural leisure.

In a studio-tea house, you can enjoy a quiet tea in a quiet atmosphere, and always have the opportunity to communicate with others,” says Gohar. It is, first of all, the most literate and organized place of entertainment, even if the young man is not interested in art. Gives communication, new acquaintances, new connections, even practical. Very often there are discussions and everyone has the opportunity to speak, express their ideas or even formulate. In the cinema there are often movie reviews, art therapy, concerts, master classes and what’s more interesting for young people – game evenings”.

Here you can also find unique items that have been added to the “Souvenir Museum” section. “The idea existed long ago. Making statements with friends and acquaintances-friends and Facebook group we have had many souvenir donors from different corners of Armenia. ”

There are regularly organized events, hosting new faces and artists. There are often non-formal inquiries among customers to understand what kind of events they prefer most. Then, according to their purpose, the team creates a calendar of events, taking into account the customer’s wishes, feedback and needs.

“We have a goal to improve the cultural life of the community and every kind of cultural event is chosen to fill this mill with a bucket of water. Very often they are long-planned events, often just spontaneously and stirring up the good mood of people on the spot”.

The studio-teahouse has a seven-month history but has also managed to get many individual tourists from France, Germany, Poland, Norway, Finland and Russia. “Most people say they like the atmosphere they come in through the door they feel as if they were in a different world. They are also interested in exhibiting a souvenir museum.”

Establishment of “Bohem” has brought changes to the lives of young people. According to Gohar, it was important for the population to have a place in the city where it would be possible to go with family and female representatives. Emphasizes Bohem’s particular social impact and says they have done nothing to differ. They did what they saw themselves. They did it with great love and invested all their dreams.

Full text in Armenian