Aesthetica

‘I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for Rotary“ said Cherie Federico as she began to address us on 24th of July.

Aa a young woman she was awarded a life changing opportunity by the Rotary club in her small home town in New York State. It was an opportunity to study in Spain and  having grown-up in a single parent household with little prospects of this kind this was to set the course of her life and career. It eventually brought her to York where she studied at York St John. It was not long before she began to create the art and creative industries publication Aesthetica which has grown over the last 24 years from humble beginnings and now exists not only as a magazine sold in more than 20 countries but also in several other platforms and initiatives, including the annual Aesthetica short film festival here in York which has an international reputation. It also supports an initiative working with hundreds of young people in local schools introducing them to the experience of film making.

As a UNESCO City of Media Arts (and the home of Aesthetica) creative industries are now flourishing in York and Cherie continues to play a hugely significant role in developing this.

… and all thanks to an opportunity provided by Rotary!

Chris Cullwick