Vilcek Foundation seeks applicants from the culinary arts for 2010 Creative Promise prize

The Vilcek Foundation--whose mission is to honor the contributions of foreign-born scholars and artists living in the United States--on May 19 announced that the culinary arts will be the 2010 category for its annual Creative Promise prize in the arts and humanities, and opened the call for application submissions. Chefs, artisans and innovators are all eligible to apply; the application deadline is July 31, 2009.

The Foundation expanded its awards program in 2008 with the Creative Promise prize to recognize exceptional contributions of younger immigrants to the United States in the biomedical sciences and the arts and humanities. The latter category changes annually to reflect the broad range of disciplines it encompasses. The choice of culinary arts is a timely one, given the controversial nature of immigration in the United States today.

“Nothing is more basic to humanity than food, and nothing is [more] successful at bringing people together than a shared meal,” said Vilcek Foundation executive director Rick Kinsel in a recent press release. “Furthermore, the culinary arts flourish in America in large part because of its immigrant practitioners. We have them to thank for the fact that we in this country have only to step outside our doors to sample the foods of the world. As a result, more than ever before, Americans are taking a greater interest in food--where it comes from and how it is grown--and have a deeper appreciation for the art and science behind a carefully prepared and beautifully presented meal.”

The Creative Promise winner will receive a $25,000 cash award and a certificate of recognition designed by Stefan Sagmeister, which will be presented during the foundation’s annual awards ceremony and dinner held in New York City next spring. In addition, four other finalists will each receive $5,000 cash awards. To be eligible for the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise, applicants must have been born outside the United States and be 38 years or younger as of December 31, 2009. The application deadline is July 31, 2009. Additional award details and an online application are available at www.vilcek.org.