New York, NY, May 16, 2011 — The Vilcek Foundation is pleased to announce that it has selected dance as the award category for its 2012 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in the Arts. For the first time, a dance artist will receive the $25,000 annual award.

Since 2009, the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in the Arts has been calling attention to the key role young immigrants play in the continued vibrancy of culture in the United States. It also encourages and supports young foreign-born artists in their early careers, when they often face significant challenges.  Previous award categories have included filmmaking, culinary arts, and literature.

Dancers, choreographers, artistic directors, and former dancers who now teachare invited to apply.  Applicants must have been born abroad, reside permanently in the United States, intend to pursue a career in the U.S., and be no more than 35 years old as of December 31, 2011.

A panel of distinguished members of the dance and arts community will select the recipients of the prize and of four finalist awards of $5,000 each. The jury will consider the candidates’ artistic excellence, creativity, clarity of vision, and impact on the field of dance.

“We welcome applicants from every corner of dance, from classical to contemporary, from the most familiar forms to new forms that defy classification,” said Marica Vilcek, Vice President of the Foundation.

Dance artists from every genre and discipline are invited to apply.  A written application, work samples, and reviews from major publications are required. The deadline for submissions is August 14, 2011, and a link to the online application can be found at www.vilcek.org.

The winner and finalists will be notified in November 2011 and honored at an awards ceremony in New York City in April 2012.

For more information about the Vilcek Foundation and the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in the Arts, please visit www.vilcek.org.