New America Congratulates Fellow Lauren Redniss on her MacArthur Foundation ‘Genius’ Grant

Washington, D.C.—New America congratulates Lauren Redniss, a New Arizona fellow, who was named a 2016 MacArthur Fellow and awarded a MacArthur Foundation ‘Genius’ grant for her innovative work in the field of visual nonfiction.

As the MacArthur Foundation's citation says, "Redniss’s unique approach to visual storytelling enriches the ways in which stories can be conveyed, experienced, and understood." 

“I am stunned and honored by the support my work has received this year. It redoubles my commitment to making my best possible work,” Redniss said.

"All of us at New America congratulate Lauren on this well-deserved award," New America CEO and President Anne-Marie Slaughter said. "The MacArthur Foundation recognizes the top thinkers and artists of our time, and I am thrilled to see Lauren among this year's recipients. Her creativity and dedication to her work is unrivaled."

New America Vice President and Fellows Program Director Peter Bergen said, “It's wonderful that Lauren has been recognized for this richly deserved award. She finds new ways to tell important non-fiction stories, which is core to New America’s mission."

New America is proud to support her work with the help of the Center for the Future of Arizona.

“Our Center for the Future of Arizona is pleased, but not surprised, that Lauren has been selected as a MacArthur Fellow.  We are well aware of her many talents in her role as an inaugural New America/New Arizona Fellow in residence at our Center,” said Lattie F. Coor, Chairman and CEO of the Center for the Future of Arizona.

As a New Arizona fellow at New America, Redniss is working on a visual nonfiction book that tackles the question of environmental stewardship and the struggle of indigenous communities in the 21st century American Southwest. 

About New America: New America is dedicated to the renewal of American politics, prosperity, and purpose in the Digital Age. Our hallmarks are big ideas, impartial analysis, pragmatic policy solutions, technological innovation, next generation politics, and creative engagement with broad audiences.

About the New America Fellows program: The New America Fellows program supports talented thinkers — journalists, producers, practitioners, and scholars — whose work enhances public conversation about the most pressing issues of our day.