CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Report from the Center for Armenian Arts on Programming and Events at Leased City Facility at 250 N. Orange Street
1. Note and File Center for Armenian Arts Report to City Council
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Report Only
Approved for March 31, 2026 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Glendale has leased a real property located at 250 N. Orange Street to the Center for Armenian Arts in an effort to bolster economic development efforts in the downtown Glendale, and to support the growth of arts and culture scene for the community and as a destination for visitors.
Per city council’s request, this report provides a summary of activities and programming that the Center has completed in activating the leased space. The Center is seeking the renewal of their lease, and would like to continue with their public programming and cultural events for this space.
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7 RECOMMENDATION
Note and file a report from Center for Armenian Arts.
ANALYSIS
The Center for Armenian Arts has become a vibrant hub for cultural exchange, uniting exhibitions, performances, and educational initiatives that engage the community and celebrate artistic expression.
Its programming focuses on rotating exhibitions featuring both Armenian and non- Armenian artists, spanning painting, photography, and multimedia. Notable exhibitions included 20×20, Colors of Yerevan, and Love Confession, present a wide range of perspectives on identity, culture, and contemporary life.
In addition to visual arts, the Center hosts live performances, storytelling events, and lectures that merge traditional influences with modern interpretations. Programs like Lullabies highlight the emotional richness of Armenian cultural heritage. Talks, panel discussions, and film screenings further broaden its scope, fostering dialogue around diaspora, history, and preservation, while community events and artist collaborations strengthen its role as an inclusive cultural space.
Through this multidisciplinary approach, the Center for Armenian Arts continues to preserve and reimagine Armenian heritage for today’s audiences. In 2024, the Center hosted twenty-four exhibitions, seven concerts, twelve book presentations, and seven lectures. It also opened its doors to local organizations for meetings and rehearsals, including the Los Angeles Armenian Folk Instrumental Ensemble, the Armenian Youth Federation Alumni Networking event, the All Armenian Student Association of Southern California’s ARTivism event, and Abril Bookstore’s book signings.
In 2025, the Center underwent an expansion of its main exhibition space and remained non-operational for over five months due to construction. Despite this, it successfully hosted twelve exhibitions, three concerts, and four lectures, while continuing to support the community by accommodating the Los Angeles Armenian Writers Union’s lectures and meetings, as well as rehearsals for the Los Angeles Armenian Folk Instrumental Ensemble.
In 2026, the Center hosted seven exhibitions, three book signing events, two documentary screenings, and one feature film screening so far—all free of charge—and has scheduled nine additional exhibitions in the coming months.
The Center is also proud to present the inaugural Glendale Art Show, a free open-air event on April 19, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM along the 200 block of North Orange Street. This public event will transform the area into a lively arts destination, showcasing local artists, exhibitions, and community-driven programming. 3 6
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7 The City of Glendale has leased a real property located at 250 N. Orange Street to the Center for Armenian Arts for February 1, 2024 – January 31 2026 in an effort to bolster economic development efforts in the downtown Glendale region, and to support the growth of arts and culture for the community and as a destination for visitors.
This report provides a summary of activities and programming that the Center has completed in activating the leased space. The Center is seeking the renewal of their lease, and would like to continue with their public programming and cultural events for this space.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
No outreach is associated with this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
CEQA does not apply to projects where the lead agency determines "with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment." CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs.) § 15061(b)(3). Here, the action involves noting and filing of a staff report on the 12-month performance status of the Alex Theater. There is no possibility that the action to note and file this report may have a significant effect on the environment.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1. Note and file the report.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Roubik Golanian, P.E., City Manager
Prepared by:
Domenica K. Megerdichian, Assistant to the City Manager Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
None.