Related News
Another 22 honored with 'genius grants'
Source: Agencies |
September 21, 2011, Wednesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
A CHICAGO skyscraper architect and a New York City children's choir founder are among the latest 22 recipients of the MacArthur Foundation "genius grants."
The US$500,000 fellowships for 2011 were announced yesterday by the Chicago-based John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Recipients largely don't know they're in contention for the annual awards, and often learn they're winners with an out-of-the-blue phone call informing them they'll receive the money over the next five years.
"I was dumbfounded, I actually cried," said Francisco J. Nunez, 46, founder of the Young People's Chorus of New York City. Nunez finished what he called a "very strenuous" board meeting when he received a call from a number he didn't recognize.
"I get this call from a gentleman," Nunez said. "He tells me to tell whoever I'm with to leave and go into a private room. Next thing I know I have to sit down at my desk. I started shaking."
Recipients can spend the money however they like, but many like Nunez say the honor of the fellowship makes them focus on what they would accomplish in their fields if only they had the means. And now they do. His group's many choir programs have more than 1,000 young singers.
Even though they're referred to as the "genius grants," MacArthur Foundation President Robert Gallucci said the more attractive quality is creativity. "We hope we're giving these people an opportunity they wouldn't otherwise have to pursue their area or interest and let that spirit that has driven them to be free to accomplish more in the future," he said. "We're aiming here at the future."
The foundation relies on hundreds of anonymous nominators to offer names to be put in contention for the grants. Nominations only are accepted from the list of anonymous nominators.
Including this year's recipients the MacArthur Foundation has awarded 850 genius grants since 1981.
Jeanne Gang, 47, was the architect of Chicago's 82-story Aqua Tower and her firm, Studio Gang, puts a focus on green building and sustainable design. MacArthur cited Gang's designs for challenging "the aesthetic and technical possibilities of the art form." Gang said she will put together a plan for the grant money and methodically follow it.
The US$500,000 fellowships for 2011 were announced yesterday by the Chicago-based John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Recipients largely don't know they're in contention for the annual awards, and often learn they're winners with an out-of-the-blue phone call informing them they'll receive the money over the next five years.
"I was dumbfounded, I actually cried," said Francisco J. Nunez, 46, founder of the Young People's Chorus of New York City. Nunez finished what he called a "very strenuous" board meeting when he received a call from a number he didn't recognize.
"I get this call from a gentleman," Nunez said. "He tells me to tell whoever I'm with to leave and go into a private room. Next thing I know I have to sit down at my desk. I started shaking."
Recipients can spend the money however they like, but many like Nunez say the honor of the fellowship makes them focus on what they would accomplish in their fields if only they had the means. And now they do. His group's many choir programs have more than 1,000 young singers.
Even though they're referred to as the "genius grants," MacArthur Foundation President Robert Gallucci said the more attractive quality is creativity. "We hope we're giving these people an opportunity they wouldn't otherwise have to pursue their area or interest and let that spirit that has driven them to be free to accomplish more in the future," he said. "We're aiming here at the future."
The foundation relies on hundreds of anonymous nominators to offer names to be put in contention for the grants. Nominations only are accepted from the list of anonymous nominators.
Including this year's recipients the MacArthur Foundation has awarded 850 genius grants since 1981.
Jeanne Gang, 47, was the architect of Chicago's 82-story Aqua Tower and her firm, Studio Gang, puts a focus on green building and sustainable design. MacArthur cited Gang's designs for challenging "the aesthetic and technical possibilities of the art form." Gang said she will put together a plan for the grant money and methodically follow it.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
