Chess Amid Art. The Story Of Ferz Club

by Alexandra Mansilla

Chess Amid Art. The Story Of Ferz Club

28 Feb 2024

On the first day of December last year, a new figure emerged on Dubai's chessboard of life: Ferz. It is a new chess club in Dubai that sets itself apart from others by offering a unique experience. At Ferz, playing chess transforms into an immersive experience, marrying music, food, and art.

The games are currently held once a month, but the club's founders are considering increasing the frequency to bi-weekly or even weekly, depending on demand. Ferz Chess Club has no permanent location and no plans to establish one. The aim is to make each event exceptional.

The name

In historical chess, “Ferz” refers to a piece considered the most powerful on the board. It is also known as the Queen, and the founders, Nastya Bers and Polly Zet, sought to emphasise the strength and creativity of women. “We believe that women can create that unique atmosphere, and that is why the name is also a crucial part that will stay with you forever, serving as our face,” they say.

The history

The founders had a simple ambition: to forge something entirely new — distinct from the typical chess clubs solely focused on the game itself. They aimed to bring out the total beauty of chess and provide a unique experience. Thus, the concept of an 'artsy' chess club was born.

“We manifest the game's beauty through the atmosphere, perfectly curated music, performances, art, candles, roses, and chic places,” explains Nastya Bers and Polly Zet. “Our concept aims to connect the intellect with the creative essence, uniting the worlds of logic and art. Our motto is ‘The devil is in the details’, as only through attention to every small detail can you achieve something uniquely exceptional.”

Photo: Ferz Club

The art

Why shouldn't chess be aesthetic? There is no reason it shouldn’t be. That is precisely what the founders of Ferz thought, leading them to rethink the traditional conditions of chess clubs by incorporating art into the experience. According to the founders, “chess could be aesthetic, and we manifest it. We are confident that such events will interest those who play and those who don't.”

The artwork currently on display at Ferz is by Nastya Bers, one of the gallery's founders. Nastya is an emerging artist known for her surreal and sensual style, beautifully capturing human emotions and paradoxes. As the club moves forward, it also plans to feature other artists. So, let's wait and see!

The music

Music always matters. Anyone who has ever organised an event will tell you that. It has the incredible ability to influence the overall atmosphere of any event. When you attend an event, it's not just the people you meet that make you feel good but also the music that fills the air.

So, at Ferz Club, they focus on the music, always carefully selecting the perfect beat to accompany the chess game: “We put a lot of attention into the music, playing niche and contemporary selections. The man behind the decks is Alex Mubert, known for developing music products in the multimedia production and sound-tech industry. And he digs for rare music with a certain concept for each event. For example, he played the fresh contemporary jazz selection released only in 2023, which most people had never listened to. The concept is based on a venue style — either more jazzy, classic, or IDM”.

The dress code

At Ferz Club, it is believed that if you prepare meticulously for events like a play, wedding, or meeting, why not do the same for a chess game? It is certainly worth the effort.

The founders say, “The dress code unites and brings together people. And it’s not a masquerade but an elegant classical style.”

The fee

The fee is 250-350 AED, which includes a premium drink and appetisers. However, it is set to increase as the founders promise to provide a more immersive experience.

Photo: Ferz Club

by Alexandra Mansilla