The Hamazkaine Shant Chapter has officially launched its key project for 2010; the Armenian Community Performing Arts Awards.

Proudly supported by the Hamazkaine Regional Committee of Australia, the Armenian Community Performing Arts Awards is an open, broad-based competition covering all fields of the performing arts.

Participants are invited to apply and present a wide variety of acts, including instrumental, vocal and dance, in both classical and modern styles. Community groups are also welcome to participate, as well as schools.

The competition is open to the ages of 3-30, divided into 3 sections, with division A covering 3-10 year-olds, division B for 11-16 year-olds and division C catering for 17-30 year-olds.

Organiser Teny Aghamalian said: "Being an open competition, the participants will be judged on the quality of work they present within their age group and accolades will be awarded.

"The event is primarily aimed at addressing 3 key areas.

OUTSTANDING LIVE PERFORMANCE: We aim to bring the best of our community to the stage in dynamic and friendly competition. Providing an opportunity for our young artists to experience the magic of performing live on stage developing the confidence to prepare for the world stage;

COMMUNITY AWARENESS: We endeavour to bring together our youth from all regions, chapters, schools and affiliations. The programme encourages the participation and involvement of all developing an awareness of one another in our community; and

PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT: We encourage participation from all disciplines in particular traditional Armenian disciplines such as poetry recital and choral presentations. We also welcome classical European disciplines in instrumental and vocal as well as dance. Our goal is to also encourage teachers and educators in traditional Armenian disciplines to train and prepare students for this event raising awareness and understanding within the youth of Armenian literature and poetry."

The Armenian Community Performing Arts Awards is due to take place in May 2010.

Aghamalian added: "With this one program, we have a single long-term goal to nurture and develop our Armenian young talent in readiness for the world stage."