“Twenty-four people received the MacArthur ‘Genius Grant’ phone call this year, meaning they’ll get a $625,000, five-year grant,” write Abby Ohlheiser and Brian Feldman on Wednesday (9/25) at the Atlantic Monthly website. Winners in the field of music are pianist/writer Jeremy Denk and pianist/composer Vijay Iyer. “The award is famously a ‘no strings attached’ situation, where recipients are more or less just expected to spend the money in order to fund their genius. As is somewhat characteristic of the foundation, this year’s crop of geniuses are notably eclectic in interest. The fellows, the beneficiaries of an intriguing nomination and selection process, include a doctor who developed new ways to help Camden residents get health care, Swamplandia author Karen Russell, and playwrights, scientists, choreographers writers, and economists.” A complete list of award recipients can be found here.
Posted September 25, 2013
