CA: Dr. Gregorian, we know the institutions you’ve steered. But what has been your personal connection to the arts?

 

VG: Books have been the most important for me. Just yesterday, I was packing hundreds of books on modern art and other subjects to send to Armenia.

 

I believe in this kind of giving.

 

CA: What kind of reading do you do these days?

 

VG: I read biography and history mostly, to understand what has been happening in the last century and a half. I read the newspaper, too.

 

CA: What is your view of Armenian culture? And what do we need?

 

VG: I hate to tell you this, but what you need is a couple people of major wealth and influence – to begin creating a new class of people invested in the arts. To make art a priority. We need real patrons, not philanthropists.

 

CA: Please tell us the difference.

 

VG: A patron is one where the love of the subject matter is calculated. For example, you’ve been collecting textiles. And you go to a museum to establish an entire wing for textiles. You’re a patron. If you’re a philanthropist, you’re donating to the general fund of a university.

 

You have philanthropy pools. You don’t have patron pools.

 

CA: So we need more patrons.

 

VG: Yes. A love of arts.

 

CA: How has the digital space changed the role of the arts foundation?

 

VG: You’re on the right track. But watch out. A lot of people have dismissed print and objects by saying that the digital world is enough. But then that becomes your only transmitter of information. And that’s a problem.

 

CA: But you do see an upside?  

 

VG: Of course. There is no denying it. There is an entire invisible Armenian culture, which now you are making accessible in the digital age. That’s invaluable.

 

But you still need a home.