The Stranger's Genius Awards September 14, 2007

The Stranger's Genius Awards allow us to unabashedly rain praise on local artists and writers doing smart, original work. We investigate and profile noteworthy emerging artists and—most importantly—elevate four rising stars (one each working in film, literature, visual art, and performance) and one arts organization to Genius status. The Genius crown comes with a $5,000 grant and a gala awards party in the winners' honor. The money is meant to encourage and promote art, and to thank the artists and organizations that make this town vibrant. The winners are free to use the money however they like: to pay bills, stage a play, or for a mind-expanding trip to Brazil.

Official Website: http://www.thestranger.com/genius