William Kentridge is latest visual artist selected for Rolex mentoring scheme that has, in the past, featured David Hockney, Anish Kapoor, John Baldessari, and Rebecca Horn
South African artist William Kentridge has been announced as latest artist to take part in Rolex initiative that, over the years has featured John Baldessari, David Hockney, Rebecca Horn, and Anish Kapoor. The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative pairs up six internationally recognised ‘master artists’ across the arts with six talented young artists, for a year of creative dialogue and exchange.
William Kentridge has been chosen as this year’s representative of the visual arts on the merit of his highly political artwork addressing life in South Africa during and after apartheid. He has been selected alongside Canadian author Margaret Atwood (Literature), French theatre director Patrice Chéreau (Theatre), Brazilian singer/songwriter Gilberto Gil (Music), Taiwanese choreographer Lin Hwai-min (Dance), and American film editor Walter Murch (Film).
Now that the ‘master artists’ have been announced, the search is on for their young protégés. A panel consisting of influential artists and professionals has met in each of the disciplines to identify and invite international young talent to apply to be considered. The protégés will then be announced in mid-2012 and the mentoring year will begin soon afterwards.
William Kentridge, like his peers, will be obliged to spend at least six weeks with protégé. Each protégé receives $25,000 to support his or her participation in the programme, and at the conclusion of the mentoring year, and each protégé is eligible for an additional $25,000 to aid them in the creation of a new work.
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