Vincent Valdez Named 2026 MacArthur Fellow, Award Includes $800,000
Vincent Valdez, a Texas-based visual artist, has been selected as one of the 20 MacArthur Fellows for 2026 by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, receiving a grant of $800,000 with no restrictions. Valdez's artwork, which realistically portrays Mexican American culture and tackles social issues, is deeply influenced by his personal experiences. He is currently serving as the first artist-in-residence at Alamo Colleges District in San Antonio, where his exhibition La Línea/The Line will debut on October 7 at 5:30 p.m. Additionally, he will be the artist-in-residence for the ACLU of Texas in 2025-2026, working on The New Americans drawings. Valdez will also speak about democracy at Rothko Chapel on September 30. A complete list of fellows is available on the foundation's website.
Key facts
- Vincent Valdez was named a 2026 MacArthur Fellow
- The 2026 MacArthur class includes 20 scientists, historians, and artists
- MacArthur Fellows receive $800,000 in unrestricted funds
- Valdez is the inaugural artist-in-residence at Alamo Colleges District in San Antonio
- La Línea/The Line: Works by Vincent Valdez opens with a reception on Wednesday, October 7 at 5:30 p.m. at ACD ACCESS Common Ground Gallery, 2222 North Alamo Street
- Valdez is a 2025-2026 artist-in-residence for the ACLU of Texas, creating The New Americans drawings
- A public talk at the Rothko Chapel on Wednesday, September 30 at 6:30 p.m. features Valdez and Lonnie Ali and is sold out
- Houston artist Rick Lowe received the MacArthur Fellowship in 2014
Entities
Artists
- Vincent Valdez
- Rick Lowe
- Lonnie Ali
- Muhammad Ali
- Abdullah Antepli
- Oni K. Blair
- Ellen Susman
Institutions
- John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
- Alamo Colleges District
- ACD ACCESS Common Ground Gallery
- ACLU of Texas
- Project Row Houses
- Rothko Chapel
- Muhammad Ali Center
- Glasstire
Locations
- San Antonio
- United States
- Texas
- Houston
- Dallas