"Announcing the Participants in the 2007 Program"
2007-08-04 until 2008-07-01
Rolex Mentor and Protege Arts Initiative
Geneve, , CH Switzerland

The Rolex Mentor and Protege Arts Initiative broadens Rolex’s long tradition of supporting the arts worldwide. Rolex has developed close ties with many of today’s greatest artists, including Cecilia Bartoli, Renee Fleming, Sylvie Guillem, and Yo-Yo Ma. These relationships have led to Rolex’s sponsorship of international events such as Operalia, founded by Rolex ambassador Placido Domingo, and the Verbier Festival and Academy for top classical artists. Rolex announces the selections in the fields of - Dance: Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker (Belgium) and Anani Dodji Sanouvi (Togo) - Film: Stephen Frears (U.K.) and Josue Mendez (Peru) - Literature: Tahar Ben Jelloun (Morocco/France) and Edem Awumey (Togo) - Theater: Julie Taymor (U.S.A.) and Selina Cartmell (U.K.) - Visual Arts: John Baldessari (U.S.A.) and Alejandro Cesarco (Uruguay) - Music: Pinchas Zukerman (U.S.A) and David Carpenter (U.S.A).

Since its launch, 179 artists, leaders in the arts and other cultural personalities have participated in the Arts Initiative, including 54 advisors who have helped select mentors, and 93 nominators who have helped select protégés. Program participants contribute from across the globe, building a Rolex community of artists that spans 39 countries and grows in depth and scope with each mentoring cycle. Unlike most philanthropy programs in the arts, which provide one-time support in the form of a grant, Rolex makes a substantial financial investment in each of its protégés, as well as providing access to its global network of participants, support for travel and expenses during the mentorship, and funding to produce a new work – a performance, exhibition, film, publication, or other piece inspired by the mentorship.

In addition to fostering the arts, Rolex continues its commitment to the pursuit of excellence through the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, established in 1976, which support individuals who are advancing human knowledge and well-being. For each series of the Awards, a total of five Laureates are chosen and five Associate Laureates in the fields of science and medicine; technology and innovation; exploration and discovery; the environment; and cultural heritage.

IMAGE
Alejandro Cesarco
Here Comes the Sun
2004

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for Switzerland

Other Important Exhibitions in Switzerland