The regulars of the cult of the Viciebsk art-pub "Torvald" disappointed in the door there was an announcement that the work stopped institution. The pub was not like the neighbors, their complaints were forced to respond to the control bodies. However, the founders promise to open a pub in the new location before the end of November.
Irish Pub "Torvald" was opened in the old building of red brick in a symbolic date – the current Freedom Day, March 25. It named after the Icelandic-Irish missionary Torvald Kodransson nicknamed Voyager, which was founded 986 Christian church in Połacak.
In a short time the pub has become a significant cultural venue, a landmark destination for the residents of Viciebsk. Every evening there was going to "advanced" public, to align corporate glass of beer with a friendly chat. Under its roof carried out the order of hundreds of diverse events, from concerts to presentations.
The idea of art-pub owned by Vitaly Brovko. He is well-known producer and organizer of concerts, organized thousands of performances of popular Belarusian and foreign artists. His right hand is a former teacher, scientist Sergey Rusetsky. Some time ago moved from Minsk, is now head of the pub. Both Belarusian-principle, with a clearly defined citizenship.
A few days ago the patrons "Torvald" got a nasty surprise: the doors were closed, and the posted sheet says that now you can only buy tickets for concerts. As the pub institution does not work.
Brovko explained that there were several reasons. On the one hand, the activism itself already demanded a larger area, on the other, to the establishment of any complaints from residents of the neighboring house:
"To a place where opened and worked half a year bar, "Torvald", there were some issues with the implementation of standards in various fields. The fact is that too active and eventful palette caused some irritation among residents of the neighboring house with a pub – it turns out that we have input the windows of the apartment where fairly elderly people live. That is, the noise raised by the neighboring house, and then there were problems. By the way, the residents of our house, where, strictly speaking, a pub, no major complaints voiced. Well, as a compromise, it was decided to move to another place. Now firmly we are working on it."
At the time, Vitaly bought an apartment on the Komsomolskaya street in the design studio. But earlier this year the idea with friends, why not equip a platform for like-minded people to combine a pleasant surroundings with a talk on high topics? They agreed that the place very atmospheric, the result was "Irish pub" with the art twist. From local places to closest restaurant quickly grew to the "club" friends "Torvald".
A month ago, the unique site in the Belarusian Viciebsk was telling Radio Liberty. Then Head pub Sergey Rusetsky already listed events and talked about plans for the future:
"Actively organize musical events, we can easily accommodate up to 70 people. Even in a small room able to "squeeze" the improvised stage. Of course, only acoustic concerts, because the most significant drawback – the fact that we are in a building. Hence the limited schedule, and neighbors with whom you need to maintain good relations. We also organize film screenings, held scientific lectures and conferences. Of course, in the plans – the expansion of space, although it is not present, whether current atmosphere somewhere to move. We are in the building, which has the status of cultural property of the early twentieth century, a typical building of Viciebsk. They are the city's many: red brick, rough, kind of a sign of the Viciebsk architectural style."
In turn, Vitaly Brovko refers to the current test philosophically. Perhaps, he said, such a turn of events even better if it had not enforced the need to look for an alternative, it is unknown how many more would be swayed with the idea of the expansion of space:
"And now moved to the center, to the very monument Olgerd, – he says. – The old room was not fit for so many activities that we have started. According to the new address space is much larger. Total 200 squares, two independent halls, one more suitable for presentations, and the second will be mostly resemble the familiar interior. In addition, a longer operation, and not to adapt to the schedule of the residents. Nearby there are residential buildings – except for Nikolai Martynov with the family (founder and owner of the shoe company by Marco. – Ed.), no one lives. "Torvald" will replace the cafe "At the Town Hall," which was a very special honor: belonged, so to speak, near-criminal circles and hang out there quite questionable guys. Now we are the place for at least cultivate that suits the city authorities."
Vitaly Brovko hopes that a successful Viciebsk businessman Nikolai Martynov will also become a regular at the updated art pub – the benefit of all the usual attributes are retained.
At the end of wondering how Vitali plans to use the property on Komsomolskaya Street – for the right to property, no one seems to eat?
"Yes, the room is in my property, – says Vitaly Brovko. – I think that this would be a good headquarters for cultural and educational institutions Viciebsk4Me, I was there one of the founders. As for the art-pub "Torvald" daily I am working hard to the end of the month he earned at the new location, opened the door to our old and new friends."
The hosts art-pub "Torvald" are going to continue the tradition of Belarusian cultural sites. Especially the first six months of operation clearly demonstrated: the demand for native word in the proposed format is extremely high.
Says Sergey Rusetsky, over time, he does not remember a single case of a negative reaction to the Belarusian content. And concludes: in Vitsebsk Belarusians live in nature, which are simply not enough places for communication. "Torvald" provides such an opportunity.
Igor Karney, svaboda.org
