This year, more than 200 Chicago-area residents were nominated to be recognized as Leaders for a New Chicago by the Field Foundation, working in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation.
The 11 Chicagoans chosen this year, of all ages, races and genders, each receive $50,000 — half of which they can spend however they’d like.
And every one of them were entirely caught off guard when they were told they were selected.
With us to discuss the program and their craft are:
— Hilesh Patel, program officer with the Field Foundation of Illinois, who oversees the Leaders for a New Chicago program
— Stephanie Manriquez, executive producer with Yollocalli Arts Reach
— Faheem Majeed, co-founder of the Floating Museum arts collective