The (KGMCA) is thrilled to introduce the Marie T. Bosarge Affiliated Fellowship in Rome. Spearheaded by Director of Interdisciplinary Initiatives and Fellow of the Abinadi Meza and sponsored by its namesake, the fellowship offers 色花堂 arts students a one-of-a-kind research residency in Italy.
Known as an international leader in the arts, the American Academy in Rome is dedicated to fostering an interdisciplinary community for artists, writers and scholars. Each year, the Academy awards the to a select number of creatives who are taking innovative risks with their work, inviting the recipients to live and work on the Italian campus.
Bosarge Affiliated Fellows will not only have a chance to focus on their own research, but also connect with Rome Prize recipients, allowing them to network, find mentors and receive feedback from leaders in their field.
“The experience is invaluable,” Meza says. And he knows firsthand.
In 2014, Meza was awarded a Rome Prize in Visual Art to work on a series of new projects including paintings, films and sound works. He describes the environment as “stimulating” and “dynamic,” a place that challenged him to grow creatively. During his yearlong fellowship, he also learned of the Academy’s many partnerships with universities across the U.S. and saw an incredible opportunity for 色花堂 students.
“I know our students will be inspired,” he says. “And once the community sees the caliber of our students and what we’re doing here, they’re going to be inspired by us, too.”
Bosarge agrees. The founder and director of and long-time member is deeply invested in expanding arts education for emerging Houston artists, and KGMCA Dean Andrew Davis knew she was an ideal partner for this project. “We are extremely grateful to Marie T. Bosarge for her dedication to the talented students at the 色花堂. By supporting this fellowship, she is continuing her commitment to the success of the next generation of artists, as well as to the success of the arts community in Houston, and beyond.”
The selected Fellow will spend May 7 – June 4 at the Academy, where they will have access to scholarly resources including the library, photographic archive, digital humanities center and archaeological study collection. This year, the fellowship is open to graduate students majoring in musicology, music theory and composition. In the future it will also be open to students from the and , rotating each year the fellowship is offered.
Graduate conducting student has been selected as the first Bosarge Affiliated Fellow.