Financier Igor Tulchinsky Explains His Sponsorship of the Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition
As the mathematically minded son of professional musicians who emigrated from Soviet Belarus to America in his youth, financier Igor Tulchinsky has developed a profound appreciation for how art can inspire everyone. He believes that great art should be accessible to all, which is a key reason he decided to sponsor the upcoming Bayeux Tapestry exhibition at the British Museum in London.
A Personal Journey from Belarus to America
When Tulchinsky was 11 years old, his family left Belarus during the final years of the Soviet Union to build a new life in the United States. His parents were talented musicians—his father a violist and his mother a pianist—but opportunities in Belarus were limited due to poor arts funding. The move was a significant risk, driven by a belief in education and the understanding that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity is often scarce.
This experience shaped Tulchinsky's worldview, giving him a sense of history as something lived rather than merely studied. It inspired his mission to expand opportunities for others, particularly through education and access to inspiring works like the Bayeux Tapestry.
The Bayeux Tapestry: A Masterpiece of Craft and Narrative
The Bayeux Tapestry, a 1,000-year-old embroidery created in Canterbury but transported from Normandy for the exhibition, has the power to captivate audiences. Tulchinsky draws parallels between the tapestry's design and his own field of quantitative investing, noting its use of mathematical principles like symmetries and proportions that hint at concepts such as the Golden Ratio.
He describes the tapestry as an early example of systems thinking, with a chronological structure that shows causality and sequence. This narrative about decisions made under uncertainty resonates with Tulchinsky, who sees similar patterns in his love for chess, a game he continues to play and sponsor internationally.
Education and Access at the Heart of Sponsorship
Tulchinsky's career, which began with programming video games and led to founding WorldQuant in 2007, has enabled him to support causes he cares deeply about. Education is central to his philanthropic efforts, including initiatives like a tuition-free online university and research programmes.
The sponsorship of the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition includes a tailored schools' learning programme, aimed at bringing young people face-to-face with this historic artefact. Tulchinsky believes that history is best told through objects and human decisions, and he hopes the exhibition will inspire future generations to dream big and preserve cultural heritage.
London's Special Significance
London holds a special place in Tulchinsky's heart, as it is home to one of his first international offices and where two of his children are currently studying. He emphasises the responsibility to protect and share cultural treasures like the Bayeux Tapestry, which has survived through generations due to its recognised value.
In conclusion, Tulchinsky's sponsorship reflects his commitment to widening access to art and education, encouraging others to take risks, recognise enduring value, and build possibilities for those who come after.
