Kevin Everson, a professor of art at the University of Virginia, has been selected to receive the 2019 Heinz Award in the Arts & Humanities from the Heinz Foundation. The Heinz Awards, now in their 24th year, honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in five categories: arts and humanities; environment; the human condition; public policy; and technology, the economy and employment.
In announcing the award, the Heinz Foundation said Everson is “quietly becoming one of the most respected artists working in film and media today.” The announcement stated that “his films, which range from minutes to hours in length, occupy a space between fiction and documentary, their content woven from found and historical footage, scripted and staged scenes, still photography and edited archival film. In each of his films, Mr. Everson brings audiences an insightful and sensitive view of the work, daily conversations and actions of ordinary women and men.”
“I come from this working-class African American culture, and I see the beauty in it,” Everson said.
Professor Everson has taught at the University of Virginia for 18 years. He is a graduate of the University of Akron in Ohio. He holds a master of fine arts degree from Ohio University.
Professor Everson will be honored with the four other winners at a ceremony in Pittsburgh on October 17. The award includes a $250,000 cash prize.
