Well known Indian-origin British sculptor Anish Kapoor was on 6th Feb 2017 named the winner of a prestigious $1 million Genesis Prize.
This prize was given by Israel for his commitment to Jewish values.
Mr. Kapoor also spoke out against “abhorrent government policies” towards refugees as he was named the recipient of this year’s Genesis prize, dubbed Jewish Nobel.
The prize committee, headed by Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky, acknowledged Mr. Kapoor as “one of the most influential and innovative artists of his generation.”
Mr. Kapoor joins Itzhak Perlman, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and actor-director Michael Douglas as recipients.
Mr. Kapoor said he would use the award money to help alleviate the refugee crisis and try to expand the Jewish community’s engagement in a global effort to aid Syrian refugees.
Stan Polovets, chairman and co-founder of the Genesis Prize Foundation, has said the profound impact of Mr. Kapoor’s work continues a long history of Jewish contribution to the arts.
Alongside, his social activism reaffirms the commitment of the Jewish people to humanitarian causes.
About Genesis Prize- Outstanding achievement by individuals who have attained excellence and international renown in their chosen professional fields.
- Award is given to those whose actions, in addition to their achievements, embody the character of the Jewish people through commitment to Jewish values, the Jewish community and/or to the State of Israel.
- Date: 2013
- First awarded: 2014
- Official website: www.genesisprize.org
- Also called Jewish Nobel.
