Thesis Project–Startup Concept

«Prosvet» is an independent curatorial agency dedicated to researching and promoting contemporary Orthodox art.

The agency broadens the understanding of Orthodox art by introducing the audience to modern artistic practices that address questions of faith and spiritual experience.

Through exhibitions and auctions, «Prosvet» fosters professional recognition for artists, promotes collecting, and cultivates a dialogue between secular and religious cultural spheres.

The primary clients of «Prosvet» are museums, galleries, and cultural and religious institutions interested in hosting exhibitions of contemporary Orthodox art. The agency offers them the development and execution of curatorial projects, including the option of hosting an auction. A separate area of focus involves private collectors, whom the agency assists in discovering and acquiring works by contemporary artists.

Organizing exhibitions and public programs involves securing sponsors, grants, and support from host institutions. The primary commercial tool is the auction, which showcases the participating artists' works. Agency revenue is generated through sales commissions. This model allows for project implementation without maintaining a permanent exhibition space and facilitates the gradual development of a network of artists, partners, and collectors.

«Prosvet» plans to develop a series of thematic exhibitions and auctions dedicated to various aspects of contemporary Orthodox art.

The lack of a permanent venue allows the organization to implement projects in different cities, collaborate with museums, galleries, and religious institutions, gradually expanding its partner network.

In the future, the agency plans to establish its own directory of artists and works, develop consulting services for collectors, and host regular auctions. This will enable the establishment of long-term relationships with creators and buyers while securing new revenue streams.

«The Invisible» is the debut auction exhibition by the curatorial agency Prosvesht, dedicated to finding a visual language to express spiritual experience.

The project unites contemporary artists who engage with Orthodox tradition through painting, graphics, sculpture, and other artistic practices. The core of the inquiry is the question of how to give visible form to that which exists beyond the visible.

The exhibition is accompanied by a public program and concludes with an intimate auction of the featured works.

Participant selection is conducted through an open call for submissions and targeted invitations to artists. Estimated number of works: 15–20.

Authors whose work explores themes of Orthodox faith, spiritual experience, and religious tradition within contemporary artistic forms are invited to participate.

The application must include a portfolio, a description of the artist’s practice, and the pieces proposed for exhibition.

Key selection criteria include conceptual alignment, artistic expressiveness, and the works' readiness for exhibition and sale.

The exhibition is aimed at an audience of contemporary art enthusiasts interested in issues of faith, spiritual experience, and Orthodox culture.The main visitor demographics include contemporary art connoisseurs, representatives of the Orthodox community, artists, art critics, and researchers of religious culture.A separate target group consists of private collectors and potential buyers interested in acquiring works by contemporary artists. The auction format is designed to cater to an audience that may not have prior collecting experience.

Expert Partner: Abramovsky Museum of Russian IconographyEducational (Informational) Partner: HSE Art and Design SchoolSponsor: Andrey Pervozvanny Foundation

The project is being implemented in collaboration with ANTIPA at the Pricht House or another partner venue, based on the condition of complimentary exhibition space provided, with a portion of the auction proceeds then directed toward supporting its activities.

The preliminary financial model stipulates the distribution of auction revenue: 50% to the artist, 40% to the host institution, and 10% to the «Prosveshch» agency.

Organizational expenses are expected to be covered by secured funding. Final terms will be agreed upon with the partners.

Two potential auction formats are available:

1. In-person auction. Bidding takes place on the final day of the exhibition, involving a host and pre-registered buyers.

2. Silent auction. Visitors can place sealed bids on works throughout the exhibition. Winners are determined once the exposition concludes.