United States Artists (USA) has named Mythili Prakash among its fellows, recognizing her as the sole Indian-American among the 50 recipients of a $50,000 cash award for their impactful contributions to the nation’s cultural landscape.
A second-generation Bharatnatyam dancer, Prakash received training from her mother, Viji Prakash, and is currently mentored by Bharatanatyam dancer Malavika Sarukkai and dancer/choreographer Akram Khan. She has garnered recognition with grants like the Irvine Foundation’s Creation to Performance Grant, the Center for Cultural Innovation’s Artistic Innovation Grant, and the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project Touring Grant.
Prakash’s solo productions have graced stages worldwide, including venues like Sadler’s Wells (London), Music Academy (India), Jacob’s Pillow (USA), and Esplanade Theatres (Singapore).
The USA Fellowship, spanning various disciplines, acknowledges artists from diverse backgrounds. This year’s fellows, spanning 22 states and Puerto Rico, encompass emerging and seasoned artists, reflecting the program’s commitment to supporting artists at all career stages.
In addition to the $50,000 award, fellows gain access to artist services such as financial planning, tax advising, and career consulting.
Launched in 2006, the USA Fellowship is United States Artists’ flagship program, having distributed over $41 million to over 850 creative practitioners. This unrestricted award empowers recipients to allocate funds based on their needs, fostering a diverse range of creative communities across the country. Judilee Reed, president and CEO of United States Artists, emphasizes the fellowship’s support for artists offering valuable modes of healing, expression, and collaboration. Ed Henry, United States Artists board chair, celebrates the program’s role in honoring artists who shape the future of the arts across generations and diverse practices.
