A Closed Community of Independent Thinkers: Newmag Launches Signature Club (Video)

According to Aleksanyan, the club is designed for a reading, thinking, and creative community. Membership has already begun, and the club will officially operate from January 1, 2026.

“For a long time, we’ve considered creating a book club,” said Aleksanyan. “Another reason is the multi-genre and expansive structure of Newmag—festivals, book presentations, meetings, which sometimes makes it hard for readers to decide which events to attend. With the Signature Club, we aim to redefine our engagement with the public. All events will now be exclusive to club members, while Newmag will be open to the general public only three times a year: during the winter, summer, and French book festivals. At other times, we’ll offer more professional, intimate, and closed gatherings.”

In today’s digital age, people often prefer online communication, short texts, and quick videos, yet they still crave real, in-person interaction. “In an unpredictable and polarized period, many avoid gatherings to protect relationships,” Aleksanyan noted. “Our club offers a space to meet people with similar interests and educational backgrounds. No exams, no pressure, just meaningful interaction. Members will also receive 24 books per year, two per month, along with opportunities for book discussions, presentations, and lectures.”

Aleksanyan highlighted unique masterclasses designed to enrich members’ cultural experiences. For example, a session on Barcelona’s chief architect, will teach travelers how to truly understand the city’s landmarks during short trips. Similarly, lessons on Rome will go beyond the typical tourist experience. “We also focus on motivation. Many people feel mentally exhausted, not physically. Our masterclasses provide practical tools to make life more interesting and meaningful.”

Lecture and masterclass topics are curated with the same care as Newmag’s books: they are subjects the team reads, explores, and wishes to share. Aleksanyan emphasized that the club is for people who want to participate actively, not just listen. Membership will initially be limited to 100 people to refine the organizational model, though expansion is possible in the future.

Signature Club members will also enjoy exclusive benefits: discounts at partner stores such as L’Occitane, Burmunk, Hermitage, and Time, as well as access to capsule collections by Armenian designers Aram Nikolyan (hoodies), Nur (silk scarves), and Armen Galyan (accessories).

Members will also have access to closed film screenings at Cinema Star Armenia, featuring both contemporary and classic world films, followed by discussions with film critics. “Often when reading a book or watching a movie, we want to understand its deeper message or share our impressions. The main mission of the club is the exchange of knowledge and ideas,” Aleksanyan said.

To conclude, he recommended three books for viewers: Ray Dalio’s  “Principles”, Darren Hardy’s “Compound Effect”, and Nicolas Mathieu’s “And Their Children After Them”.