NEW YORK CITY: The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation has named the winners of the 2019 Doris Duke Artist Awards, who will each receive $275,000. The artists worked in the field of dance, jazz, and theatre. Out of 6 artists recognized, two work in theatre: Marcus Gardley and Lauren Yee.
The awards are unrestricted and recognizes the artists’ entire bodies of work. “The work of these six artists has inspired creativity, new ideas and awe across the arts sector and beyond,” said Maurine Knighton, program director for the arts at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, in a statement. “With the money from this award, they will be able to invest in their own well-being in ways that create the right conditions for them to continue to flourish and do their best work.”
Yee is the playwright of Cambodian Rock Band and King of the Yees. She’s currently working on the TV adaptation of “Pachinko” for Apple. She also recently received the Steinberg Award and the Whiting Award for her plays.
“I am at my best when I create work that builds community and amplifies unexpected and emotionally resonant messages in ways that only I can employ,” said Yee in a statement. “Since having my first child in December, I’ve been slowly figuring out what it means to be a parent in an industry that is frequently at odds with the demands of parenthood. This award means that I have the financial security to take care of my daughter and provide for her future while also doing the deep dreaming that art requires and planting the seeds for the next stage of my career.”
Gardley is the playwright of Black Odyssey and The House That Will Not Stand (which is currently being adapted into a film). “This award is a massive gift,” said Gardley in a statement. “It means that my work is having an impact nationally, and that means more to me than even the money. After the initial shock and then joy of learning I had received the award came an overwhelming sense of responsibility. Now, I have the opportunity to dig, to really take time to write more epic plays, to see past the margins—to depict more characters and voices that are rarely seen.”
