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RAP alumni are scattered throughout the world. Some are in the sun and some are in the snow, but I can reach out to you all, in a way like an extended family, with the magic of a New Year blog.
Many of you reading this will have had the opportunity of concentrated time in Rome, accelerated by the unique situation of living and working together in a community of international students. This was a rich resource and lead to inspiring and sometimes surprising exchanges that will continue to resonate in your work for years to come.
Our focus on supporting creativity in the visual arts remains unwavering and underpins the remarkable achievements of our alumni, many of whom have gone on to exhibit their artwork throughout the world. This success is ongoing, with four alumni from 2014 preparing to show as a group in a London gallery this spring.
Rome penetrates so many layers of our consciousness. Every period of it’s history is shaped by the past and the meanings linger on. Getting to know Rome is like surfing on a wave of memories and as we enter the New Year, you become aware of the fragility of life and perhaps also aware that living is a serious enterprise.
I wondered what the Emperor Marcus Aurelius had to say on this topic. He was a great soldier but also a philosopher. While fighting in Germania 2000 years ago he wrote, “The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing”.
So wrestle on and a Happy New Year to all of you, wherever you are!
Carole Robb, Artistic Director