The Vilcek Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2017 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Fine Arts. Three foreign-born artists will be selected to receive the prizes, each comprising an unrestricted cash award of $50,000.
The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise honor young immigrant artists who have demonstrated exceptional creative achievements early in their careers. Applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- Have been born abroad
- Be naturalized citizens or permanent residents of the United States; also eligible are persons who have held a valid H-1B or O-1 visa for at least five years, and individuals who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) relief
- Be no more than 38 years old as of December 31, 2016
- Not be enrolled as a full-time student
- Intend to pursue a career in the United States
Artists working across all media are invited to apply before June 10, 2016.
A complete application form, an artist résumé, personal essays, and work samples are required. A panel of distinguished experts will consider each applicant’s accomplishments, based on the clarity, ambitiousness, and feasibility of their vision; the degree of innovation and uniqueness apparent in the work samples; and the applicant’s impact on the field. More information and a link to the online application can be found at Vilcek.org.
The Vilcek Foundation was established in 2000 by Jan and Marica Vilcek, immigrants from the former Czechoslovakia. The mission of the foundation, to honor the contributions of immigrants to the United States and to foster appreciation of the arts and sciences, was inspired by the couple’s respective careers in biomedical science and art history, as well as their personal experiences and appreciation for the opportunities they received as newcomers to this country. The foundation awards annual prizes to immigrant biomedical scientists and artists, and sponsors cultural programs.
