The Armenian Educational and Publishing Pan-national (Hamazkayin) Association was founded in Lebanon in 1930. Until 1970, chapter committees in various regions conducted Hamazkayin’s diverse activities. Art events, theater shows, lectures, discussions and debates, seminars, and social activities were among these many activities.

In 1975, the first-ever Regional Committee of Hamazkayin was formed in Lebanon. In its early days, it functioned via its councils. The mission of the music, theater, and literature councils was to develop projects and present them to the Regional Committee. The latter would coordinate the various projects as future activities and would produce them in cooperation with the chapter committees.

Soon, due to the growing range of activities, it was apparent that Hamazkayin needed to specialize its focus. Young professionals joined the councils. They had both the knowledge and desire to produce activities in the various spheres of culture. With the utmost consideration and professionalism, the literature, theater, dance, and music units were formed. Soon they succeeded in organizing events that resonated with the Lebanese community.

The chapters continued to function alongside the units. Starting in 1986, the chapters were named after Armenian cultural figures. The Beirut chapter (founded in 1931) was named Gomidas, the Bourj Hamoud chapter (founded in 1952) was called Simon Vratsian, the Ashrafiye chapter (founded in 1953) was named Roupen Zartarian, the Antelias chapter (founded in 1970) became Nigol Aghpalian, the Ainjar chapter (founded in 1972) was named Barouir Sevag, and the Nahr El Mote chapter (founded in 1986) was called Hamo Ohanjanian.

In the 1980s, Hamazkayin’s activities in Lebanon were so widespread that a center became necessary. Choirs, theater companies, and music classes were increasing in number and activities. Building the Cultural Center of the Regional Committee was a major achievement. Its opening ceremony in 1988 was presided over by Karekin II, the Catholicos of the House of Cilicia. The center was named the Levon Shant Cultural Center. However, soon even that space could not accommodate all of Hamazkayin’s activities. In 2005, the Jirayr Khachadourian Center at the Aghpalian-HMEM cultural and sports complex in Antelias opened. The Hamazkayin Art schools operate at both centers.

The Paresegh Ganachian Music College was founded in 1983. The music college has around 388 students. The first director of the college was Vache Barsoumian. Sona Kupelian, Setrag Setragian, Yervant Yerganian, Armen Kecheg, Vahram Emmiyan have served as principals.  Hovhannes Garakhanian was appointed as the educational director of the schools, after which an educational council was formed, consisting of Hovhannes Garakhanian, Garo Avesian, and Maral Harboyan. Later, Kevork Keshishian was appointed educational director, followed by Camilla Yerganian. Currently, an educational council leads the schools, consisting of Dr. Eddy Torigian, Armen Jenderejian, and Ralph Keoshgerian. Specialized teachers instruct students in piano, violin, guitar, and many other instruments. The college has annual student concerts. It participates in various music contests. The music college also has a suitable music library. A special agreement with the Gomidas State Conservatory in Yerevan guarantees graduates a chane to complete their education there. On January 27, 2023, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Hamazkayin’s Schools of Fine Arts and Lebanon’s Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Central Committee. This agreement creates new opportunities for cooperation between Hamazkayin and the Ministry of Culture in various fields of art and culture. Additionally, the certificates from the Schools of Fine Arts are now recognized and accredited by the Ministry of Culture.

The Toros Roslin Art School was founded in 1988. It has around 67 students. The students take regular painting courses, and present their works in student and graduate exhibitions. They also take part in inter-school contests and exhibitions. The school has a well-developed curriculum and teachers. The teachers include Lebanese-Armenian artists and artists from Armenia. The administrator of Toros Roslin Art School is Talin Mosigian.

The Kayaneh Dance School was founded in 1989. It has around 216 students. At various class levels, the school teaches various branches of dance. It has annual concerts and tours. For many years, artist Felix Haroutiounyan from Armenia was the chief dance instructor and choreographer. Andranik Grigoryan from Armenia also served in that role. The current dance instructors are Garen and Jacqueline Maginian. A special ballet course was recently established; it has 31 students.

Gargach children’s, teenager’s and youth choirs were founded in 1997. The choir is divided according to the ages of its members, who take vocal lessons and present annual concerts. The choirs have also conducted their own concert tours. The choirs regularly perform premieres of new songs composed especially for them by composers from Armenia. The choirs are conducted and directed by Shoghig Torosian . The total number of the members is around 50.

The “Ayk” student choice was founded in 2008 by Zakar Keshishian. Over the years, in addition to an annual concert, the choir participated in various events within the community, performing both classical and contemporary Armenian and foreign songs. As they grew older, members of the choir were transferred to the “Kousan” choir, and unfortunately, we did not have any new members.

Arek Children’s and Youth Theater School was founded in 1999. The first director of the theater company was stage director Vigen Stepanyan and Davit Hakobyan from Armenia, and later, Hrair Kalemkerian. The current administrator of the school is Silva Soghomonian; plays are directed by Suren Khdeshian.

The Knar Dance Troupe was founded in 1956, due to the efforts of Dr. Vartkes and Mrs. Eglantine Aprahamian. At present, the dance troupe has around 60 members. For some time, Carina Alexanderian was the dance instructor. At present, Phelix Harutiunyan is the instructor and the chief choreographer. The current dance instructors are Garen and Jacqueline Maginian.

The Kasbar Ipegian Theater Company, previously the Theater Association, was founded in 1941, by Kasbar Ipegian. Kasbar Ipegian, Georges Sarkissian, Papken Papazian, Varoujan Khedeshian, Davit Hakobyan, Robert Arakelian and Hagop Der Ghougassian have served as directors of the Theater Company. Later, alongside the Kasbar Ipegian Theater, a youth group was formed. Suran Khdeshian and Hrair Kalemkerian directed plays, but the group has been discontinued.

The Kousan Choir was founded in 1956. At first, it was known by the name of its founder, Parsegh Ganachian. Haroutioun Topigian and Yervant Yerganian, have also conducted the choir. At present, Barkev Taslakian conducts the choir. It has around 55 members.

The Regional Committee has subcommittees, which assist in the organization of various events.The Schools of Fine Arts have a Board of Trustees. The Kusan Choir, the Kasbar Ipegian Theater, and the Knar Dance Ensemble have executive boards, which closely supervise administrative matters and help stage the annual programs.

To foster the bonds between Armenia and diaspora, the Regional Committee of Hamazkayin in Lebanon frequently presents to the Lebanese-Armenian audience events featuring artists and artistic groups from Armenia. These events regularly receive high praise.

With its consistent efforts and achievements, Hamazkayin has a unique place in the cultural life of the Lebanese-Armenian community.