MacArthur Foundation Unveils 2024 'Genius Grant' Recipients
The MacArthur Foundation has announced its 2024 class of Fellows, awarding $800,000 grants to 22 innovative individuals across diverse fields. Recipients include artists, scientists, and activists making significant societal contributions.
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has revealed its 2024 cohort of Fellows, commonly referred to as recipients of the "genius grant." This year's class comprises 22 individuals from various disciplines, each set to receive an unrestricted grant of $800,000 over a five-year period.
The MacArthur Fellowship, established in 1981, has recognized over 1,000 individuals for their exceptional creativity and potential for future contributions. The selection process, which is confidential and does not accept applications, involves nominations from communities and peers over several years. Fellows are chosen by an anonymous panel of experts and are not informed of their nomination unless selected for the award.
Marlies Carruth, director of the MacArthur Fellows Program, emphasized that the interdisciplinary award aims to enable individuals with a proven track record to produce additional extraordinary work. This aligns with the Foundation's goal of encouraging creative pursuits without financial constraints.
Among the 2024 Fellows are:
- Loka Ashwood, a sociologist studying environmental issues and rural communities
- Ruha Benjamin, a scholar examining technology's impact on social inequality
- Justin Vivian Bond, an artist advocating for civil rights through performance
- Jericho Brown, a poet exploring contemporary culture through lyrical work
- Nicola Dell, a computer scientist developing tools to combat intimate partner abuse
- Sterlin Harjo, a filmmaker portraying Native American communities
- Jennifer L. Morgan, a historian focusing on enslaved African women
- Ebony G. Patterson, a multimedia artist creating immersive works on social histories
- Jason Reynolds, a children's and young adult author reflecting Black experiences
- Alice Wong, a disability justice activist and founder of the Disability Visibility Project
These Fellows represent a wide range of fields, including sociology, technology, arts, sciences, history, and activism. Their work often addresses pressing social issues, such as environmental concerns, racial and gender equality, and the rights of underrepresented communities.
The MacArthur Fellowship, which began with grants of $50,000 per year in 1981, has increased its support over time. The current $800,000 grant is considered "no strings attached," allowing recipients to use the funds as they see fit. This approach has enabled past Fellows to pursue groundbreaking projects and collaborations.
While the Foundation has faced criticism in the past for lack of diversity among its recipients, efforts have been made to improve representation over the years. The 2024 class reflects this ongoing commitment to recognizing diverse voices and perspectives across various disciplines.
As the Fellows embark on their five-year grant period, their work is expected to contribute significantly to their respective fields and society at large. The MacArthur Foundation's support not only acknowledges past achievements but also invests in the potential for future innovations and societal impact.
"The goal is to enable people with a track record and the potential to produce additional extraordinary work."
This year's announcement continues the tradition of the MacArthur Fellowship in identifying and supporting individuals who demonstrate exceptional creativity and promise. As these Fellows join the ranks of over 1,000 previous recipients, their work is poised to shape conversations, drive innovation, and address critical challenges in the years to come.
