Arts Initiative Acclaimed Moroccan novelist Tahar Ben Jelloun mentors young writer from West Africa Other Rolex philanthropic activities in region include the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, to be held in Dubai in November 2008 Dubai, January 12, 2008 – Internationally acclaimed Moroccan author Tahar Ben Jelloun was one of six international artists celebrated recently for their roles in mentoring promising young talents from around the world as part of the 2006-2007 Rolex Mentor and Protיgי Arts Initiative. The Rolex Arts Initiative pairs established masters with young, undiscovered artists for a year of collaboration in the fields of dance, film, literature, music, theatre and visual arts. The Arts Initiative is the only corporate philanthropic programme of its kind and recently gathered its third group of mentors and protיgיs in New York City. Ben Jelloun, 62, spent the past year mentoring novelist Edem Awumey, 32, from Togo as part of the programme. A winner of the Prix Goncourt and the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, Ben Jelloun draws upon his experiences in his native Morocco and as an immigrant in France to create powerful and controversial novels, poems, plays, essays and articles. Describing his work with Edem, Ben Jelloun said, “What interests me is not to be a corrector or to be a teacher, but to be someone who accompanies a writer as he writes.” Rolex CEO Patrick Heiniger said the company launched its mentoring programme in 2002 to fill a void in arts patronage. “Our philanthropic activities reflect the values of our company which, for 100 years, has been dedicated to excellence. The highest standards of craftsmanship, a commitment to perfection and great attention to detail are all principles that we cherish. The benefits of this initiative will ripple out into protיgיs’ work and into the artistic community at large with the passage of time.” In the first cycle of the Rolex Mentor and Protיgי Arts Initiative in 2002-2003, Jordanian architect and painter Sahel Al-Hiyari was selected as the Visual Arts Protיgי. His mentor was ֱlvaro Siza, one of Portugal’s most celebrated architects. Al-Hiyari’s practice in Amman has grown into a firm of six architects and his work continues to flourish. One of his most recent projects is the design of a visitor information centre in Jordan’s National Park in Petra, which will be completed in the coming months. Rolex’s philanthropic activities in the Gulf, the Levant and North Africa also include the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, which support individuals working to improve human knowledge and well-being. This 31-year-old programme will hold its 2008 global awards ceremony in Dubai under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The Rolex Awards for Enterprise aim to foster a spirit of enterprise by recognising outstanding efforts in five broad areas: science and medicine, technology and innovation, exploration and discovery, the environment, and cultural heritage. Presented every two years, the awards provide financial assistance to people embarking on innovative, new ventures or pursuing ongoing projects. -- ends -- Editor’s Note Rolex and Philanthropy Founded a century ago, Rolex has a long tradition of supporting arts and culture worldwide. The company has developed close ties with many of the greatest living artists, including Cecelia Bartoli, Renיe 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 Plבcido Domingo, and the Verbier Festival & Academy in Switzerland for top classical artists. Rolex is also proud to support La Scala and the Monte-Carlo Opera. In addition to supporting the arts through the Rolex Mentor and Protיgי Arts Initiative, Rolex continues its commitment to the pursuit of excellence and individual achievement through the Rolex Awards for Enterprise. The biennial Awards help nurture the spirit of enterprise in individuals around the globe by recognising and rewarding their efforts to improve the human condition. These men and women typically work outside the mainstream and often have no access to traditional funding sources. For further information log onto: www.rolexmentorprotege.com www.rolexawards.com
