In the bustling outskirts of Tula, there’s a monument to its bygone industrial era. The Oktava factory, with its rich history of producing top-notch audio equipment, had once been the city’s pride.
However, by the 90s, it stood as a shadow of its former self, withering away amid newer developments. But for visionaries like Mikhail Shelkov, this wasn’t just a decaying structure. It was a beacon of potential. Where many saw a past that was fading, Shelkov spotted an opportunity waiting to be seized.
But how much do you know about this hero? In this post, we will unveil some of the good works of Mikhail Shelkov and how he has brought hope back to Oktava.
Shelkov’s Early Life and Education
Mikhail was born in Moscow back in 1968. Even from a young age, he was determined and hardworking, always pushing himself to get ahead.
He graduated top of his class from the prestigious Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology with a degree focused on molecular and chemical physics. After graduating, Shelkov entered the banking world.
Climbing the corporate ladder seemed effortless to him, and he rapidly became head of the Eurosibbank. A while later, this soon-to-be Forbes list member moved to RBRD, securing a senior position.
Shelkov’s success in banking led him to become head of the Prominvest Investment Firm. There, he oversaw a diverse portfolio of companies across various industries. His keen business sense and knack for managing complex projects later enabled him to become the majority shareholder and deputy chair of the board for VSMPO-AVISMA.
This is an internationally renowned full-cycle titanium leader whose products are purchased by a quarter of all countries worldwide. It’s no surprise then, that he also owns the gigantic aluminum producer Samara Metallurgical Plant (SMZ).
Oktava Creative Cluster – Inspiration Across Generations
Tula’s Oktava factory, once famous for sound equipment, stood abandoned for 30 years. But even as its grand structure was silent, its history whispered stories.
In 2016, Mikhail Shelkov didn’t just see an old building. He saw potential. He didn’t want just to fix it up – he dreamed bigger. His goal was to turn the old factory into the Oktava Creative Cluster: a lively hub for Tula’s thinkers and creators.
For Shelkov, this wasn’t about making money. He wanted to give back to the community, reigniting the spark of innovation in that space.
Restoration started in 2017. Crews made the building safe and modern but kept its history alive. They kept old pipes visible and reused old materials. Today, the place is a blend of old and new: classic brick meets modern design and technology.
Inside, sunlight lights up high-tech workspaces. Glass walkways connect cozy sitting areas. The building is green, and powered by eco-friendly methods. Colorful murals, painted by local artists, make the walls come alive. It’s a place designed to inspire creativity.
The Oktava Creative Cluster is now a hotspot in Tula. It hosts events like concerts, talks, and workshops. There’s a lab for making prototypes, a big tech library, and a recording studio. It’s a place where young artists can learn and grow, and adults can start businesses.
One special feature is the Machine Tool Museum. It celebrates Tula’s history as a city of makers. Visitors can use augmented reality to dive deep into the past, with cool visuals and sounds bringing history to life.
Oktava – Proud Tradition of Artistry and Precision
The initiative coincided with the Oktava factory’s own revitalization. These very walls once produced iconic microphones cherished by musicians worldwide. The factory’s microphones have been embraced by the likes of U2, and even Marilyn Manson, solidifying their place in history.
By re-engaging dormant capabilities, it has resumed manufacturing innovative audio technology. State-of-the-art, yet distinctly reflective of the factory’s roots.
Walking through the halls of the neighboring Oktava Cluster, one cannot help but feel the weight of its legacy. Soviet-era echoes reverberate as whispers of greatness, reminding visitors that this exact place made a microphone into which Yuri Gagarin proclaimed those timeless words, “Let’s go!” before embarking on his pioneering journey to space.
The unmistakable, crystal-clear sound of Tula microphones has become synonymous with excellence, captivating artists such as Sting, Iron Maiden, and Radiohead.
People from around the world come to see the renewed Oktava Cluster. It’s more than just a building – it’s a sign of hope and rebirth. Thanks to Shelkov’s dedication, a piece of history is alive and thriving. Like in its golden days, Oktava is set to inspire the world again.
Tula – More Fuel for Ongoing Innovation
Tula’s creative revival is set to continue. A new co-working space caters to independent workers, providing affordable workplaces to fuel innovation.
As the Oktava Creative Industrial Cluster celebrated its first anniversary on April 22, 2022, it reminisced on five years of creativity. This remarkable achievement underlines the cluster’s vital role in fostering cultural exchange, promoting artistic expression, and bridging the gap between art and technology.
With Mikhail Shelkov’s dedication and the collective passion of the Oktava Creative Cluster, Tula is now the epitome of innovation and creative inspiration. By harnessing the power of collaboration, the cluster continues to shape the city’s landscape, unlocking endless possibilities for residents and visitors alike.
Conclusion
The revival of the Oktava factory and the emergence of the Oktava Cluster stand as testaments to the transformative power of vision and dedication. Shelkov’s unwavering commitment has not only breathed life back into a historic structure but has also reignited a passion for excellence and innovation.
Tula’s legacy, interwoven with cutting-edge technology and global appreciation, ensures that the Oktava name will continue to resonate for generations to come. In this rebirth, we see that when history and vision converge, the future looks incredibly promising.