Celebrated 20 Years of Artistic Mentorship: Rolex Arts Festival in Athens

Athens hosted a momentous gathering of renowned artists and arts professionals as part of the highly acclaimed Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative. This multigenerational community came together with the Greek cultural world for the prestigious Rolex Arts Festival, commemorating two decades of transformative mentoring experiences.

The festival, which took place from May 26th to May 28th, witnessed the convergence of dozens of legendary figures in various artistic domains such as music, theatre, dance, film, visual art, literature, and architecture. They were joined by more than 50 outstanding artists who had the privilege of being mentored by these luminaries through the Rolex program over the past 20 years. This unique gathering featured a series of 17 public events, including performances, readings, exhibitions, discussions, and more, held at prominent venues across the Greek capital.

The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative was established by the renowned watchmaker in 2002, driven by a steadfast commitment to ensuring the preservation and transmission of the world’s artistic heritage across generations, transcending national, cultural, and disciplinary boundaries. Setting itself apart from other corporate art programs, this initiative left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape due to its unparalleled scope and scale. Drawing inspiration from Rolex’s watchmaking tradition, where knowledge is passed down through generations, the program paired emerging artists with accomplished masters in their respective fields for an extended period of one-on-one collaboration.

Since its inception, the initiative attracted nominations from 1,350 individuals representing 120 countries, highlighting its global reach and significance. Out of these nominees, 63 esteemed artists served as mentors and personally selected 63 protégés from 41 different countries. The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative became a beacon of artistic development, nurturing a thriving international creative community. The program’s impact was celebrated as one of its greatest achievements by the company.

As an integral component of the Rolex Perpetual Arts Initiative, the mentoring program held a special place in the brand’s dedication to supporting and honoring the expanding artistic community across various disciplines. Rolex’s ongoing commitment to fostering cultural enrichment and artistic excellence worldwide was encapsulated within this initiative.

The Rolex Arts Festival in Athens served as a testament to the power of mentorship and the transformative influence it holds over the trajectory of an artist’s career. This grand celebration of two decades of artistic mentorship inspired and captivated audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Greece and beyond.