GLENDALE – An internationally recognized firm specializing in planning services for museums and cultural centers will start work this week on developing the master plan for the Armenian American Museum in Glendale, California.

The Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of the Western US (AGCC) leadership participated in a workshop today conducted by Lord Cultural Resources consultants to define the vision for the Museum and formulate the guiding principles for the master plan phase of the project.

Founded in 1981 in response to an emerging need for specialized planning services in the museum, cultural and heritage sector, Lord is recognized as the world’s largest cultural professional practice. With the successful completion of more than 2,000 projects in 52 countries on 6 continents, the firm has earned an international reputation for sector leadership, innovation and excellence.

Lord offers a comprehensive range of integrated services including master planning, cultural and heritage tourism planning, facility planning, architect selection, exhibition design, project management, training and recruitment.

The firm was instrumental in developing the conceptual and master plans for the recently completed Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg and the National September 11th Memorial and Museum in New York. Lord has also provided consulting and planning services to the Los Angeles based Japanese American National Museum and California African American Museum.

The AGCC earlier this month launched the search for an architect to design the Museum. Interested architects can obtain a complete request for qualifications (RFQ) packet by writing to architect@armenianamericanmuseum.org. Responses to the RFQ are due by January 14, 2015.

In the coming weeks, the AGCC will organize community outreach meetings and assemblies to engage local residents and the public in the planning and fundraising phases of the Museum.

The Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of Western US helps oversee, coordinate and organize events and activities to observe the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in the region.

The representatives of the following organizations and institutions serve on the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee – Western USA: Armenia Fund – Western Region USA; Armenian Assembly of America; Armenian Bar Association; Armenian Catholic Church; Armenian Council of America; Armenian Cultural Foundation; Armenian Evangelical Union of North America; Armenian General Benevolent Union – Western District; Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region; Armenian Relief Society – Western USA; Armenian Rights Council; Armenian Youth Federation; Ignatius Foundation; Nor Or Charitable Foundation; Nor Serount Cultural Association; Organization of Istanbul Armenians; Unified Young Armenians; Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America; Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

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