The VZAP Art Center opened in Vitebsk

– Initially, I had the idea to create a center for elderly people where they could engage in creative activities and exhibit their works, – says its creator Inga-Lyutsina Boginskaya. – This idea came about thanks to my mother, Raisa Gerasimovna Spochinskaya, who is now 84 years old, and only in the last two years has she not been engaged in her favorite floristry. Then my musician son grew up, and we spent a year and a half looking for a hall for rehearsal and concert activities. We found this space, which was converted into a business center 15 years ago and had been vacant ever since. But since we couldn't rent just one room, we realized that we needed to do something for the benefit of the people and art. That's how the creative center came into being.

We didn't think long about the name: since the art space is located at the back of the VZEP canteen, we named it according to the English transliteration – VZAP.

The center first opened its doors to the general public at the end of June, launching an exhibition of paintings by Vitebsk artist Tatyana Beregeiko. Afterwards, six young Vitebsk artists exhibited their works here, and until October 9, you can admire the picturesque "Seasons" by landscape painter Felix Kuznetsov. On October 10, there will be an opening of a solo exhibition by artist Cherepanova (Anastasia Cherepanova; Minsk), accompanied by a concert by the capital's musical group "The Yankees of Moor".

The center has several rooms. One is designed as a workshop for artists and ceramists, another as an anti-cafe where you can spend time with friends (there are board games, darts, chess, checkers, and books). There is also a lecture hall, which has already hosted a public speaking masterclass, a concert hall that can accommodate up to 150 people, and a dance hall with mirrors.

– We offer choreography classes in various styles, and for the end of October, we are planning a hip-hop dance battle, – shared the center's administrator Agata Zavalnaya.

The drama theater actresses Natalia Aladko, Svetlana Zhukovskaya, and Raisa Gribovich hold their concerts here. The lecture series "Vitebsk: Present, Future, Past" is delivered by the renowned local historian Arkady Podlipsky.

"It's interesting to learn about our city things you've never even thought about before. For example, Arkady Mikhailovich talked about memorial plaques, pointing out errors made, and last time he revealed the secrets of Vitebsk's communal houses," said Agata.

Every Friday, the VZAP creative center screens arthouse films. On Saturdays, children are taught to draw, sing, and play the piano here. There are also individual lessons on various musical instruments.

Charity concerts are planned to be held here every month. The first one VZAP is preparing together with students from the college of arts.

"We want to transfer 75% of the ticket revenue to the Vitebsk orphanage," the center representatives said.

According to Arkady Podlipsky, "such centers are very necessary for thinking people."

"Currently, all information about events held at the VZAP creative center is posted in the VKontakte group vk.com/vzap_vtb. But we hope that our website will be fully operational in a couple of weeks," shared Agata Zavalnaya.

Elena Alimova, "Vitebskiye Vesti".