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	February 2013

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In this issue: $100,000 in Prizes for Fresh Ideas on Democracy Read more ›› MacArthur President Addresses City Club of Chicago Read more ›› A Conversation with Cynthia Germanotta Read more ›› How Housing Matters Newsletter Read more ››

$100,000 in Prizes for Fresh Ideas on Democracy A new competition offers $100,000 in prizes for creative and provocative digital media pieces that offer new ideas and fresh perspectives to help improve American democracy. The competition – Looking@Democracy – aims to spark a national conversation about why government is important to our lives and how individuals and communities can come together to strengthen American democracy. “Given our perception that the political system has failed to adequately address major issues confronting the nation, MacArthur seeks to stimulate discussion about the future of the Republic and invests in promising ideas to help enhance democratic ideals, institutions, and practices,” said MacArthur President Robert Gallucci. “This new public competition is all about engaging citizens and encouraging them to apply their creative talents and offer their ideas to strengthen American democracy.” By welcoming submissions in any digital format (e.g., videos, apps, data visualizations, podcasts, graphic art), the competition hopes to engage independent media makers, investigative reporters, students, graphic designers, and artists – anyone with creative ideas to help engage Americans and shift the political discussion in a fresh and engaging way. Examples of successful approaches could include addressing a critical topic that is absent from the national debate, looking at data and exploring the stories behind them, or highlighting an aspect about democracy taking place on a local level. Looking@Democracy is a project of the Illinois Humanities Council and funded by MacArthur. Submissions are due by April 30 and will be reviewed by a panel of expert judges from media and the nonprofit community. Read the press release ›› For more information   Video: About the Looking@Democracy competition ›› Website: Looking@Democracy ›› About MacArthur’s grantmaking to strengthen American democracy ››

MacArthur President Addresses City Club of Chicago MacArthur President Robert Gallucci spoke to 325 guests of the City Club of Chicago recently, addressing critical issues facing Chicago, the nation, and the world. Specifically, he highlighted the local challenges of reducing violence and improving education; the need for national progress on fiscal issues and a stronger democracy; and the threat of global nuclear terrorism. The Foundation has deep roots in Chicago, where it is headquartered and where John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur lived. MacArthur seeks and seizes opportunities to work locally as an expression of its civic commitment to its home, and because being rooted in Chicago yields a deeper understanding of the issues urban areas face and how to address them. Watch the video ›› For more information   Video: Gallucci Addresses City Club of Chicago ››   Information Sheet: MacArthur’s grantmaking in Chicago ›› About MacArthur President Robert Gallucci ››

A Conversation with Cynthia Germanotta, President, Born This Way Foundation You are invited to a conversation with Born This Way Foundation President Cynthia Germanotta on Thursday, February 14 at 1:30 p.m. at the Siskel Film Center in Chicago. Led by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia, Born This Way aims to foster a more accepting society, where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated. The Foundation is dedicated to creating a safe community that helps connect young people with the skills and opportunities they need to build a kinder, braver world. Seating at this event is extremely limited. RSVP required to attend ›› For more information About MacArthur’s digital media and learning grantmaking ››

How Housing Matters Newsletter As part of its How Housing Matters research initiative, MacArthur has launched a weekly electronic newsletter that aggregates important housing news, including select media articles, policy announcements, and grantee work. Sign up to receive this free publication ››

The MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. In addition to selecting the MacArthur Fellows, the Foundation works to defend human rights, advance global conservation and security, make cities better places, and understand how technology is affecting children and society.

John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation | 140 S. Dearborn St., Suite 1200, Chicago, Illinois 60603-5285 Phone: (312) 726-8000 | TDD: (312) 920-6285 | www.macfound.org | 4answers@macfound.org | © Copyright 2013

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