With a unanimous decision by the Glendale City Council, acclaimed artist and devoted advocate of Armenian culture, Marat Hayrapetyan, has been appointed Commissioner of Arts and Culture for the City of Glendale. His term will extend through April 22, 2028. The appointment was proposed by City Councilmembers Vartan Gharpetian and Ardy Kassakhian.
This decision carries particular significance for Glendale, home to one of the largest Armenian communities outside of Armenia. In a city where cultural identity can sometimes face the subtle currents of assimilation, Hayrapetyan’s appointment is seen not only as an administrative decision but as a reaffirmation of cultural resilience and commitment to national values.
For years, Marat Hayrapetyan has been a powerful voice for Armenian culture—on stage and beyond. A celebrated singer, composer, symphonic conductor, and musicologist, his life’s work has been a devotion to preserving and transmitting cultural heritage.
Hayrapetyan has consistently stood as a guardian of national identity, emphasizing the importance of language, history, and tradition in a rapidly evolving world. His multifaceted career includes serving as an advisor to Armenia’s Minister of Culture, as well as to the Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles. He also serves as Vice President of the California Naturopathic Association and is the founder of “The Guardian of Health” wellness center.
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Glendale now stands at the threshold of a new cultural era. Through the leadership of individuals like Marat Hayrapetyan—who think and feel through the lens of heritage—the city aims not only to preserve Armenian identity but to revitalize it: inspiring younger generations, launching innovative programs, and transforming the arts into a living, breathing part of community life.
During his term, Hayrapetyan is expected to lead major initiatives in cultural education, expand community-based arts programming, and help establish Glendale as a prominent platform for Armenian cultural expression.
This appointment promises more than administration—it is a clear statement that Glendale values and protects its Armenian soul. And it entrusts that soul to someone who carries Armenian culture within him—deeply, genuinely, and with unwavering commitment.
AAIC
