Donations are essential to keep Write Out Loud going    

Award-winning poet Ocean Vuong wins $625,000 'genius grant'

entry picture

The poet Ocean Vuong, who came to the US with his family aged two as a refugee from Vietnam, has been awarded a grant of $625,000 (£504,000) by the MacArthur Foundation.

Vuong, who won the TS Eliot and Forward prizes with his debut collection, Night Sky With Exit Wounds, is one of seven writers who have been given no-strings-attached fellowships – aka “genius grants” – which are intended to allow recipients to “continue to innovate, take risks, and pursue their vision”.

The MacArthur Foundation praised Vuong for poetry that marries “folkloric traditions with linguistic experimentation”. His is a “vital new literary voice demonstrating mastery of multiple poetic registers while addressing the effects of intergenerational trauma, the refugee experience, and the complexities of identity and desire,” it added.

◄ Simon Armitage's 'Fugitives' poem celebrates access to countryside

Write Out Loud Woking at the Lightbox tonight ►

Please consider supporting us

Donations from our supporters are essential to keep Write Out Loud going

Comments

Profile image

keith jeffries

Sat 28th Sep 2019 14:28

I am truly delighted to read this story of a young man who would have gone unnoticed, as so many do, in what is called the third world, who has a fine intellect which can now be given full rein. May his future be richly blessed.

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more Hide this message