Visual artist Carrie Mae Weems, who will mentor 35-year-old Camila Rodriguez Triana of Colombia, whose work has been exhibited in shows in South America and Europe.
To choose the participants of the program, Rolex assembles an advisory board comprised of experts qualified to identify talented young artists from their worldwide network of contacts who meet each mentor’s profile for a protégé. To ensure impartiality, panel members remain anonymous during the selection period. The goal for Rolex is to make a contribution to global culture and to encourage an enriching dialogue between generations of artists. The program gives young artists the opportunity to benefit from the two years of guidance and inspiration of working with an artistic master in their field. Protégés over the years have commented that the experience of being mentored deepens their knowledge of their artistic discipline and boosts their confidence, profile and connections with other people in the arts. Mentors have also benefited from the relationship. It gives them an opportunity to see their art through younger eyes and refresh their own outlook on their discipline. Rolex
asks its mentors and protégés to interact for at least six weeks during the mentoring period, which takes place over two years. Most pairs spend considerably more time together. Some of the alliances have resulted in serious collaborations, leading to performances and works of art. “We at Rolex have been privileged that, for nearly two decades, dozens of the most genre-defining artists have lent their time and expertise to the Arts Initiative,” says Rebecca Irvin, program director. “The four new mentors who join the initiative’s community of creative greats have broken new ground in their respective fields, and we look forward to the impact they will have on their protégés, as they pass on their devotion to their arts in this cross-generational exchange.” At the end of the mentoring period, Rolex will invite the participants and guests to honor the achievements of the mentors and protégés at a public weekend of celebrations.
British director Phyllida Lloyd, who will mentor 33-year-old Whitney White, an accomplished director, musician/composer and actress.
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