Organized by IALA, the Young Armenian Poets Awards (YAPA) in Honor of Tamar Asadourian is an annual contest launched in 2021 that recognizes and provides a platform for exciting new Armenian writers between the ages of 14 and 18. Submissions are encouraged from any young writer who identifies as Armenian, no matter their background, from any and all nations and regions from around the world. The work needs to be in English, but translations are acceptable so long as the translator is named.
Quick Facts About YAPA
- A panel of judges select three to four poems annually by young Armenian writers whose work shows exceptional literary and creative ability. The contest has been judged by IALA Advisory Board members Gregory Djanikian, Arminé Iknadossian and Raffi Wartanian since 2022
- With support by donor Sam D. Ekizian, winners are awarded $200 each and a copy of Tamar Asadourian’s poetry collection, I remember you my future…
- 2026 is our sixth year hosting this program, directed by IALA Advisory Board member Alan Semerdjian
- To date, 20 high school poets have published and performed their work on an international stage through IALA and h-pem. You can find past winning poems here, and watch our 2025 Emerging Writers Showcase below (which also includes readings by the mentees of our 2025 Mentorship Program)
Who was Tamar Asadourian?
Born in 1980, Asadourian was an accomplished pianist, author and artist. At 16, she performed at Carnegie Hall, and was acclaimed as “an absorbing artist of uncommon sensitivity and intelligence.” While studying at the Manhattan School of Music, Asadourian was forced to give up the piano due to illness. She suffered from severe depression, and dedicated herself to writing, drawing and the arts. After her untimely death in 2020, a collection of her poetry, prose and artwork was published in a volume entitled I remember you my future… (Naregatsi Art Institute, Yerevan, Armenia, 2022). Read more of Asadourian’s writing here, and read Lilit Keheyan’s reflections on her work here.