The master artists, who will spend a year in creative collaboration and exchange with
an emerging talent in their respective fields, are: Olafur Eliasson (visual arts),
Alejandro González Iñárritu (film), Michael Ondaatje (literature), Alexei Ratmansky
(dance), Kaija Saariaho (music), Jennifer Tipton (theatre), and Peter Zumthor
(architecture).
Architecture: Swiss architect Peter Zumthor has gained international renown for his
timeless buildings that incorporate his masterful use of materials and light. He was
recently commissioned by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to replace some of
the existing structures with a new solar-powered building. In 2009, he won the Pritzker
Prize, architecture’s highest honour.
Film: Director Alejandro González Iñárritu is acclaimed for his realistic and
penetrating films that explore human interaction and connection. His 2006 film Babel,
was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director-
the first nomination for a Mexican director.
Dance: Alexei Ratmansky, currently artist-in-residence at the American Ballet
Theatre, is widely recognized as one of the world’s most influential and sought-after
choreographers. Trained at the Bolshoi Ballet School, his ballets maintain and respect
the art form’s classical origins, while revitalizing and innovating its storytelling.
Theatre: Jennifer Tipton has revolutionized the role of light in the performing arts,
designing for hundreds of theatrical, operatic and dance performances. She has
earned numerous prizes in the field, including Obies, Tonys, and the Dorothy and
Lillian Gish Prize.
Music: Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho is known for her brilliant chamber music,
orchestral works and operas created by blending traditional acoustic instruments and
electronics in sophisticated computer programs. In 2013, she won the Polar Music
Award in recognition of her contributions to the field.
Literature: Novelist Michael Ondaatje is best known for his lyrical and expressive
writing that explores multicultural themes. His novel The English Patient won the
Booker Prize in 1992 – the first time a Canadian had ever won.
Visual Arts: Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson is best known for his large-scale
installations and sculptures that employ non-traditional materials such as water and
light. In 2003, he represented Denmark at the Venice Biennale.