Natalia Chi
WASHINGTON — Chicago native Fred Aichner, a longtime arts patron, LGBTQI+ cause activist, philanthropist, and one of the nation’s largest donors to Democratic candidates and causes, said Tuesday will be awarded the National Medal of Arts, the White House announced. Monday.
“From dance and architecture to arts education and LGBTQI+ advocacy, Fred Ichaner has empowered millions to be themselves and move our nation forward,” the White House said.
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden will present the 2021 National Award for Humanities and the 2021 National Medal of Arts at a ceremony at the White House.
Eychaner is Chief Executive Officer of Newsweb Corporation and Chairman and President of the Alphawood Foundation.
Others honored on Tuesday:
Bruce Springsteen has the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the coveted Kennedy Center honor. He has won multiple Grammy and Golden Globe Awards, as well as an Academy Award and a special Tony Award.
Springsteen will be added to his collection of accolades when President Joe Biden honors “The Boss” at the 2021 National Medal of Arts on Tuesday. This is the highest award given to the advancement of American art.
Springsteen, who has sold nearly 140 million albums, is one of 12 individuals and groups Biden chose to present the Arts Medal at a White House ceremony on Tuesday.First Lady Jill Biden will also attend. .
At the same event, Biden will present the 2021 National Award for Humanities to a group that includes Amy Tang, Colson Whitehead and Ann Patchett. This medal honors an individual or group whose work advances the understanding of the humanities.
The medals are Biden’s first in a series of awards for the arts and humanities, delayed by the pandemic. I gave it as a surprise.
By Lynn Sweet, Washington Bureau Chief, Sun-Times
2021 National Medal of Arts winners:
- Judith Francisca Baka, artist
- Fred Eychaner, Chicago business executive and philanthropist
- Jose Feliciano, singer
- Mindy Kaling, actress
- Gladys Knight, singer
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus, actor
- Antonio Martorell Cardona, painter
- Film producer Joan Shigekawa
- bruce springsteen, singer
- Vera Wang: fashion designer
- billie holiday theater
- International Association of Negroes in Dance
2021 National Prize for Humanities Winners:
- Richard Blanco, poet, writer
- Jonetta Vetch Cole, anthropologist
- Walter Isaacson, author
- Earl Lewis, social historian
- Henrietta Mann, Academic
- Ann Patchett, author
- Brian Stevenson, Advocate for the Poor
- Amy Tan, writer
- Tara Westover, author
- Colson Whitehead, author
- native american calling
