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Latest Picks Announced for Chicago-Based Foundation
Produced by Nick White on Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Evanston author Stuart Dybek

The Chicago-based MacArthur Foundation announced the latest picks for its prestigious fellowship program today. Two of the 24 recipients have local ties.

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The MacArthur Foundation’s fellowship is often called the “genius grant”—half a million-dollars, over five years, with no strings attached.

Winners come from a variety of fields and include musicians, academics and medical professionals.

This year the foundation chose 24 people, freeing them from their day jobs and allowing them to focus on research or creative work that could benefit society.

One local recipient is Stuart Dybek.

The Evanston writer plans to use his newfound financial freedom to complete three books.

DYBEK: You can just keep taking chances. You don’t need to feel compelled to try and write something commercial.

Dybek’s previous work includes The Coast of Chicago, a collection of short stories set in the Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods where he grew up.

Another fellowship recipient is Dawn Upshaw, a master vocalist and former Illinois resident.

She now lives in New York and works to break down barriers between classical and contemporary music.

For Chicago Public Radio, I’m Nick White.