Established in 1989 by the Japan Arts Association, the Praemium Imperiale is a $125,000 global arts prize, which is awarded annually by six nomination committees who select candidates in the fields of painting, sculpture, architecture, music and theatre/film. Ellen Stewart is honored alongside French conceptual painter Daniel Buren, British sculptor Tony Cragg, Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim and the Swiss architect team of Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron.

Stewart founded the La Mama Experimental Theatre Club in 1961, where she continues to serve as the troupe's director. La MaMa has produced some 1,900 productions worldwide, continuing to be a driving force in experimental American and international theatre. In 1993 Stewart was inducted into the Broadway Theatre Hall of Fame, becoming the first Off-Off-Broadway producer to ever receive the honor.

For further information on the La MaMa season visit www.lamama.org.