Making Intellectual Pursuits Exciting: A Conversation with Tatiana Pushko, Founder of the ‘Elective’ Club

An Engaging Chat with Tatiana Pushko, Founder of the ‘Elective’ Intellectual Club

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Tatiana Pushko, the founder of the ‘Elective’ Intellectual Leisure Club, and her daughter Daria, the club’s curator, to discuss their project and, of course, culture and art.

The Birth of an Art Lectureship in Minsk

Tatiana began her career as an economist after graduating from the Belarusian State Economic University. However, over time, she realized that her true passion lay in the realm of informal education and the humanities. Her journey from a mere interest in art, nurtured by her parents since childhood and now supported by her family, led her to become an expert in art management.

Step by step, what she initially created for herself and her close circle of friends and acquaintances grew into one of the first, if not the first, lecture halls in Minsk open to anyone interested. Her previous experience, education in economics and PR, and organizational skills all proved invaluable in creating her own project.

Acquiring Knowledge Through Practice

Tatiana’s learning journey didn’t stop at practical experience. She managed to systematize, organize, and deepen much of what she encountered in her work while studying at the Masters School in St. Petersburg, where she completed a course in art management. Her instructors and guest speakers included renowned figures in the world of contemporary art, such as Olga Sviblova, Dmitry Ozerkov, Alisa Prudnikova, Marina Gisich, and Lisa Savina.

Tatiana’s love for learning is a constant in her life. After her art management course, she studied cultural marketing and is now gaining knowledge in public art projects. This continuous development and the joy she derives from it form the core values of the ‘Elective’ Club, shared by many of its attendees.

An Open Club for All

Contrary to what the name might suggest, the ‘Elective’ Club is not a membership-based organization. The term ‘club’ in its name refers more to the atmosphere that all guests contribute to during their events. Often, the conversations, discussions, and new contacts made are just as valuable as the lectures themselves. Therefore, they greatly appreciate their attendees and are delighted when they become regular visitors and friends.

The Demand for Art Lectures in Minsk

Lectures are an incredibly popular format, as evidenced by the constant emergence of new lecture halls and speakers in Minsk. The ‘Elective’ Club has been hosting lectures for over five years, but that’s not their only format. They strive to offer their attendees various ways to engage with culture and art, such as through cinema or even culinary experiences.

Unique Events: Art Meetings at the Cinema and Art Dinners

In partnership with the ‘Central’ cinema, the ‘Elective’ Club hosts art meetings where an art historian and club lecturer engages with the audience, provides commentary after a film screening about an artist or artistic phenomenon, and moderates a discussion. This offers viewers not only the chance to hear an expert’s opinion but also to share their impressions, hear others’ thoughts, and reflect on their own experiences with art.

In collaboration with the LeGourmet culinary studio, they organize art dinners, a unique concept in Minsk. During these events, a story unfolds around a famous artist, their work, and their culinary preferences, which are often little-known. After the lecture, attendees prepare dishes based on the artists’ original recipes under the guidance of a professional chef. The evening concludes with a dinner where everyone can engage in warm conversations about art.

Literary Breakfasts: A Popular Format

Literary breakfasts and ‘literary snacks’ are particularly popular. These are not just lectures about literature but also discussions of works with a literary scholar, during which attendees can read a text fragment aloud, ask questions, or share their interpretations. The club hosts these breakfasts in both Russian and Belarusian, over a cup of tea or coffee, and always in small groups to maintain an intimate atmosphere and give everyone a chance to be heard.

Reading Recommendations

Tatiana’s constant and systematic reading of both classics and new releases is driven by their literary breakfasts. Having a clear program set by an expert and a specific deadline by which to read a work for discussion helps her find time for reading even in the busiest work schedule. She is currently preparing for a literary breakfast and reading Alexey Salnikov’s novel ‘The Petrovs in Flu.’

Daria, on the other hand, often reads literature about contemporary art. She is currently focusing on books about famous collections and collectors, preparing for their new course ‘How to Become a Collector,’ which will start in the fall. She recommends starting the journey into contemporary art with the book ‘Details of Contemporary Art. Why a Five-Year-Old Child Can’t Do the Same,’ which presents 100 significant art objects of the last century that help understand the key ideas and terms of contemporary art.

Working Together as Mother and Daughter

For Tatiana, working with her daughter is a great joy. Having a colleague, partner, and someone she can rely on and trust completely all in one person is a unique experience. They are grateful for the opportunity to work together and appreciate the trust and support they receive from their attendees.

To learn more about the ‘Elective’ Club, visit their website at facultative.by.