Sep 23rd, 2008 · In the latest round of what are often called "Genius" grants, the MacArthur Foundation has just named 25 new fellows (each receiving a $500,000 award), including violinist Leila Josefowicz, writer Alex Ross, saxophonist Miguel Zenon, and sound artist and instrument inventor Walter Kitundu.
Sep 15th, 2008 · The novelist and essayist was found dead in his home Sept. 12, reportedly a suicide. Fresh Air remembers him with an interview first aired in 1997, the year he won the MacArthur Foundation's "genius" grant.
Sep 25th, 2007 · The John D. And Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has announced 24 "Genius Grants" of $500,000 each. Robert Siegel talks with four of the winners: spider silk biologist Cheryl Hayashi; Yoky Matsuoka, leader in the field of neurorobotics; Dr. Linda Cooper, who studied how race, ethnicity and gender influence the doctor/patient relationship; and classically trained vocalist Dawn Upshaw.
Jun 21st, 2007 · The MacArthur Foundation board announced Thursday that it will fund a $1.1 million grant for a new middle- and high school in New York. The curriculum revolves around teaching kids to make video games.
May 23rd, 2006 · The U.S. is exploring different diplomatic and military routes -- outside of the U.N. -- for dealing with Iran. Gary Samore, vice president of global security and sustainability at the MacArthur Foundation, talks with Renee Montagne about the options.
Jan 13th, 2005 · He turned a literary barbershop into a Spanish-language bookstore -- now Rueben Martinez is expanding and opening other stores, with the help of a "genius grant" from the MacArthur Foundation. He talks with correspondent Cheryl DeVall about the joys of books, and brings along a young friend to read for us.
Sep 28th, 2004 · Gretchen Berland uses experience from her previous career of making documentaries to compose video projects on health-care topics. She has won a $500,000 "genius award" from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Sep 28th, 2004 · The MacArthur Foundation announces this year's winners of "genius grants," $500,000 awards -- with no strings attached -- that recognize exceptional creativity. The 23 recipients include a ragtime pianist and a human rights activist. NPR's Robert Siegel and NPR's Michele Norris speak with five of the winners.