With the support of the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, under the auspices of RA Prime Minister's wife, Mrs. Anna Hakobyan, the opening ceremony of the "Side by Side" international inclusive music art festival was held on September 6 at the State Puppet Theater named after Hovhannes Tumanyan, which was attended by the Deputy Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Armenia Ara Khzmalyan.

In the opening framework, the children and young people participating in the festival presented themselves with an exhibition of paintings, ceramics, handicraft works, and a concert program.

According to the deputy minister, in recent years, great attention has been paid to the realization of the principle of inclusiveness in culture, which makes this festival important.

"Side by Side International Inclusive Music Art Festival is one of our most important inclusive projects both in its public messages and moral content. Fortunately, unlike many other projects, it does not end with concert content and festival format; it is not a one-time action, but works are carried out throughout the year, and the festival becomes the result and report of the works, relationships. It is noteworthy that within the framework of the festival, the best creators of the republic perform together with people with developmental characteristics, which is evidence of the correct course of the festival," Ara Khzmalyan emphasized and expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the festival.

According to Naira Sargsyan, the head of the educational and cultural NGO "Side by Side" and the festival organizer, about 100 children from 10 centers will participate in the opening concert and exhibition. At the closing gala concert of the festival, the children will perform with famous musicians.

It should be noted that on September 7-8, at the State Puppet Theater named after Hovhannes Tumanyan, internationally renowned specialists in music therapy, art therapy, and inclusive education will hold seminars and master classes for rehabilitation centers, preschools, and public educational institutions, representatives of non-governmental organizations, psychologists, music and for art therapists, music teachers, speech therapists, and parents.

At the end of the festival, on September 10, at 19:00, a gala concert will be held in the "Gafeschan" art center with the participation of famous musicians and singers. Vahagn Hayrapetyan, Gor Sujyan, Aram mp3, "Nemra," "Hope for coffee," Zaruhi Babayan, Vigen Hovsepyan, Lidushik, Malena, as well as other famous artists and musical groups, with whom the young participants of the festival will also perform.

Educational and cultural non-governmental organizations implement the "Side by Side" festival. The primary sponsor is "ArLeAM" company.