Renowned artist and designer Es Devlin has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Eugene McDermott Award in the Arts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The prestigious $100,000 prize, accompanied by a spring 2025 artist residency at the institute, recognizes Devlin's groundbreaking work that explores the intersections of biodiversity, linguistic diversity, and collective AI-generated poetry - areas that also align with MIT's own research initiatives.

Unlocking the Transformative Power of Creativity at the Forefront of Innovation

Honoring a Visionary Artistic Trajectory

The Eugene McDermott Award in the Arts at MIT is a prestigious accolade that celebrates innovative artists working across diverse disciplines and mediums. Devlin's selection for this honor is a testament to her remarkable artistic trajectory, marked by a prolific body of work that has achieved the highest distinction in her field. From public art installations at renowned institutions like the Tate Modern and the Metropolitan Opera to her kinetic stage designs for major events like the Olympics and the Super Bowl, Devlin's artistic practice has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible, captivating audiences worldwide.

Fostering Collaboration and Inspiration at MIT

As part of the award, Devlin will undertake a residency at MIT in the spring of 2025, during which she will present her work in a public lecture. This residency is designed to provide the recipient with unparalleled access to the institute's creative energy and cutting-edge research, fostering mutually enlightening relationships within the MIT community. Devlin's interest in areas such as AI and the arts aligns seamlessly with MIT's own initiatives to address the societal impact of generative artificial intelligence, making her an ideal collaborator and source of inspiration for the institute's students and faculty.

Empowering the Next Generation of Creative Innovators

MIT's vice provost and Ford International Professor of History, Philip S. Khoury, expressed the institute's excitement to present Devlin with this prestigious award, noting that her work will serve as an inspiration for students studying the visual arts, theater, media, and design. With a new performing arts center opening this winter and a campus-wide arts festival taking place this spring, the timing of Devlin's residency could not be more opportune, as MIT seeks to expose its creative community to the extraordinary artistic practice of this visionary creative force.

Investing in the Future of Transformative Art

The Eugene McDermott Award in the Arts at MIT is unique in its approach, as the $100,000 prize represents an investment in the recipient's future creative work, rather than a reward for a particular project or lifetime of achievement. This forward-looking perspective aligns with MIT's commitment to risk-taking, problem-solving, and connecting creative minds across disciplines, ensuring that the award continues to support the development of groundbreaking artistic endeavors that push the boundaries of what is possible.

Celebrating a Multifaceted Artistic Genius

Es Devlin, born in London in 1971, is a multifaceted artist whose work spans a diverse range of mediums and platforms. From public sculptures and installations to kinetic stage designs and monumental illuminated stage sculptures, Devlin's canvas is as expansive as it is captivating. Her practice has been the subject of a major monographic book, a retrospective exhibition, and even a Netflix documentary series, further solidifying her status as a true creative visionary.

Fostering Communal Experiences and Collective Expression

Devlin's artistic approach often invites public participation, viewing her audience as a temporary society and engaging them in communal choral works. This emphasis on collective expression and shared experiences aligns with her exploration of linguistic diversity and AI-generated poetry, underscoring her commitment to fostering meaningful connections and amplifying diverse voices.

Accolades and Recognitions Honoring a Trailblazing Career

Devlin's remarkable achievements have been widely recognized, with the artist receiving numerous accolades, including the London Design Medal, three Olivier Awards, a Tony Award, an Ivor Novello Award, and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire award. She has also been awarded doctorates from the Universities of Bristol and Kent, and holds fellowships from the Royal Academy of Music and the University of the Arts London, further solidifying her status as a true trailblazer in the world of art and design.