A weeklong celebration honoring the iconic Armenian-American writer's life and legacy
Yerevan, September 4, 2025: This September, the William Saroyan Foundation will present
Saroyan Days (September 5–11), a weeklong celebration showcasing rare works and fresh
perspectives on the life and influence of acclaimed Armenian-American author William Saroyan.
Presented in partnership with the U.S. Embassy Yerevan and the Ministry of Education, Science,
Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, the program will unveil 22 previously
unpublished stories and 100 never-before-seen paintings from Saroyan’s archives—marking
the largest release of new Saroyan material in more than two decades. Events will include art
exhibitions, theatrical performances, film screenings, literary discussions, and a showcase of
emerging Armenian creatives.
In a video on posted on the Embassy’s social media, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Kristina
Kvien said, “Today, on the great Armenian-American writer William Saroyan’s birthday, I’m
excited to officially kick off Saroyan Days — a week of cultural events celebrating his life and
legacy. Let’s celebrate the spirit of William Saroyan together. We look forward to seeing you at
Saroyan Days!”
“We are delighted to bring this remarkable new material to Armenia,” said Scott Setrakian,
President of the William Saroyan Foundation. “Alongside these rare works, we’re creating
programs that invite a new generation to engage with Saroyan’s defiant optimism and timeless
vision.”
Event Schedule
September 5
• Art Exhibition Opening – "Saroyan: The Colors Behind the Words," featuring 100 never-
before-seen paintings (from 11:00 AM, Museum of Literature and Art – Public, tickets at
the door)• Theater and Film Night (5:00 PM, Yerevan Institute of Theater and Cinematography –
Public, free)
September 6
• Book Launch – 22 Unpublished Stories by William Saroyan, compiled by Scott Setrakian
and published in Armenian by Antares Press. Co-hosted by the Yerevan International
Book Festival, Stanford University, the Ministry of Culture and the Saroyan Foundation
(5:00 PM, National Gallery of Armenia – Public, free)
September 7
• William Saroyan Prize for Short Fiction will be awarded during the Yerevan Book
Festival closing ceremony. Hosted by the Yerevan International Book Festival and the
Ministry of Culture (7:00 PM, Hakob Paronyan State Theater of Musical Comedy –
Public, free)
September 8
• William Saroyan at the National Library exploring Saroyan's cultural impact and
Armenian-language publications (2:00 PM, National Library of Armenia – Public, free)
• Stage Performance – Train Stories, a dramatic adaptation by the Malyan Theatre, co-
hosted by U.S. Embassy Yerevan and Saroyan Foundation (7:00 PM – tickets at the door)
September 9
• William Saroyan: An Evening of Readings – Readings and discussion of newly
discovered works. Hosted by the American University of Armenia (5:00 PM, AUA,
Akian Gallery – Public, free)
September 10
• Young Artists’ Showcase – Celebrating Saroyan's influence on a new generation of
Armenian artists in literature, theater, film, and visual art hosted by Creative Armenia and
AGBU (6:30 PM, AGBU Headquarters – Public, free)September–November
• Saroyan Art Contest for Kids – Organized by COAF in partnership with the Charents
Museum and managed from the COAF SMART Center in Lori. Open to youth aged 11–
15 across Armenia, with winners announced in November.
Media Contact:
Scott Setrakian
President, The William Saroyan Foundation
scott@setrakian.com
About the William Saroyan Foundation
The William Saroyan Foundation, established by William Saroyan in 1966, preserves and
promotes the legacy of this Pulitzer Prize and Oscar Award winning writer, playwright, and
artist—widely regarded as history’s most celebrated Armenian-American voice and one of the
great literary figures of the 20th century.
Saroyan Days Partners
Museum of Literature and Art · National Library of Armenia · Office of the High Commissioner
for Diaspora Affairs · Yerevan International Book Festival · Armenia General Benevolent Union
· Creative Armenia · Children of Armenia Fund · Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and
Cinematography · Malyan Theatre · Stanford University · Antares Media Holdings · American
University of Armenia · Zangak Book Store · Armenian Studies Department, Fresno State · The
Alexander Hotel · ArmAs Winery · Blue Wave Creative Agency · U.S. Embassy Yerevan · The
Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia · The William
Saroyan Foundation