27th Heinz Awards for the Arts Honors vanessa german and Cauleen Smith

The Pittsburgh-based Heinz Family Foundation announces vanessa german and Cauleen Smith as recipients of the 27th Heinz Awards for Art. Recognizing outstanding contributions to the Arts, the Economy and the Environment, the award for the arts is endowed with $250.000.

Visual artist vanessa german receives the Heinz Award for the Arts for her assemblage sculpture, installations, spoken-word poetry and community-based work that confronts racism, violence, homophobia and hate, while also expressing hope for healing. A self-described “citizen artist,” she builds her sculptures from everyday objects—cowrie shells, beads, mirrors, vintage figurines, toy weapons—transforming them into power figures that acknowledge collective suffering while also offering affirmation and optimism.

Cauleen Smith receives The Heinz Award for the Arts for her experimental films, installations and multimedia works that push the boundaries of film. Operating in multiple materials and arenas, Ms. Smith roots her work firmly within the discourse of mid-20th century experimental film, pushing boundaries and blending moving images with painting, textiles and more to create immersive experiences. Drawing from structuralism, Third World Cinema and science fiction, Ms. Smith’s work explores the power of community and culture while offering a phenomenological experience for spectators and participants.