Rolex Arts Weekend

More than 200 artists and arts leaders from South Africa and around the world are expected to attend the prestigious Rolex Arts Weekend at the Baxter Theatre Centre in February.

The Arts Weekend from February 8 to 9 is a series of public events comprising talks, readings, exhibitions and performances, and will feature the work of 2018-2019 protégés of the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative with their mentors.

Rebecca Irvin, head of the Rolex Arts Initiative, said the Baxter was a most appropriate venue for the Arts Weekend. “Not only is it known for presenting a variety of progressive works, it is led by chief executive and artistic director Lara Foot, herself a former protégée of theatre great Sir Peter Hall in the 2004−2005 series.”

Through various events the protégés will demonstrate the insights they gained from their mentors. The interchange between generations is integral to Rolex’s dedication to passing on knowledge.

The event is being curated by Fruzsina Szép, the Hungarian-born festival and artistic director of Lollapalooza Berlin, who also served as an arts initiative nominator, helping identify suitable potential protégés for the programme in 2018−2019.

It starts on Saturday from 10am to 11.30am, with the symposium “Who is Unrepresented in the Arts Today? The Arts in Times of Polarization” in the Main Theatre.

Professor Homi K Bhabha will lead the discussions with Foot, Annemarie Jacir, Anish Kapoor, Yo-Yo Ma and Wole Soyinka.

Booking is open for the public to attend any of the events, discussions or the symposia, by booking through Webtickets, online at www.webtickets.co.za, or at Pick n Pay stores.

Ticket prices are R100 throughout and R50 for students. All proceeds will go the Baxter’s Zabalaza Theatre Festival. For more information, visit www.baxter.co.za