Getting the grump out

Life at The Academy is not quite what was advertised, or envisioned.

On its face, it seems idyllic: we're living in a villa, in what is essentially a gated community in one of the most kid-friendly and green areas in Rome; meals are prepared for us; a housekeeper comes to our rooms and apartments once a week; we have the opportunity to go to various lectures and receptions and so forth. And hey, it's Italy.

But you have to read the fine print. The area may be kid-friendly, but most of the Academy is not. Yes, they've created a sweet little garden across the street for the kids to play in. That's definitely something they've done right. But children are not allowed in any of the other green spaces on their 11 acres of land. Nor are they allowed in any of the buildings (save for the ones that house the family apartments) unless accompanied by an adult. And they must be quiet. And not run or play.

Meals are prepared for us, but at significant expense. And they occur late enough at night (beginning at 8pm) that nearly no child can attend on a school night. We were promised that Friday nights would be family dinner nights, which would start at 7pm, be served buffet style, and feature kid-friendly menus. We found out last Thursday that they were not going to have family nights this year, despite the record number of families and kids. Even though we were sent information this summer that they would occur.

We get housekeeping, but it comes at a 600 euro charge. Which we were not told about. Until last week. The fee is not negotiable - that is, we can't say "oh, we'll not have housekeeping to save ourselves the money." It's a mandatory fee. And doesn't cover the costs of laundry, which we need to pay for ourselves.

Children are not welcome at most receptions and events. Which effectively means that, unless a couple can get a babysitter, that the fellow gets to go to the receptions and events and talks and meals - and the spouse/partner stays home with the children. Or they trade off. Et cetera.

I get it. I do. This is a place to work. The whole mission of this place is to provide the space, inspiration, and support for artists and scholars to create their masterpieces. It's a lovely and grand tradition, and I am truly glad to be a part of it. Really, I am.

But it's not a family-friendly place. In the Academy's defense, I will say that it is exceedingly rare for an institution to allow families to come along on a fellowship at ALL - and I realize that they must go to an enormous expense to help make it happen. BUT - if you're going to invite families to your institution, perhaps you should not create policies that marginalize them.

I think it's reasonable to expect that families make arrangements for babysitting, etc so that spouses can attend events with the fellows. And I do understand that you don't want kids climbing on statues or splashing in fountains. But why can't they play on the grounds? Why can't we have the one family dinner a week that we were promised? Why not be up front about the costs that bringing a family would incur?