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.