The annual fellowships recognize artists working in a variety of mediums, from architecture and design, traditional arts and crafts, to dance, literature, music, theatre arts, media and visual arts.
The $50,000 fellowships are awarded to "artists at all career stages who demonstrate artistic excellence, unique artistic vision, and significant contributions to their fields." United States Artists awarded 52 grants for 2011.
In addition to Breuer (Mabou Mines' A Doll's House, A Streetcar Named Desire), Collins (Gatz, The Select), Byrd (The Color Purple) and Baker (Circle Mirror Transformation, The Aliens), honorees include playwright Octavio Solis (Lydia), writer-performer Teresa Hernández, director-playwright Nancy Keystone, Rude Mechanicals co-founder Kirk Lynn and musician Lila Downs (Like Water for Chocolate).
Founded in 2006, United States Artists (USA) is a national nonprofit organization launched and supported by the Ford, Rockefeller, Prudential and Rasmuson Foundations.
For further information visit www.unitedstatesartists.org.