At a time when diversity and community are under threat, The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is pushing back with the launch of The Curious 100. This nonprofit initiative honors 100 groundbreaking visionaries across the United States whose work spans food, arts, design, technology, community-building, and social impact.

Among the honorees are Theaster Gates, a transformative artist from Chicago’s South Side; Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, an author and climate advocate; and Sean Sherman, The Sioux Chef, renowned for his work in Indigenous cuisine and food sovereignty. Also recognized are Adrienne Maree Brown, an author and facilitator for healing, and Hannah Beachler, the Academy Award-winning production designer of Black Panther.

Founded by Ray and Charles Eames, the Eames Institute is dedicated to uplifting creatives who place curiosity at the heart of their work. Chief Curator Llisa Demetrios affirms this mission: “At its core, our mission is to make design and curiosity powerful tools for anyone to approach and solve complex challenges.” At a time when fear dominates many authoritative narratives, fostering curiosity and innovation is more vital than ever.

The Eames legacy extends beyond art as craft, embracing design as a force for change. Curators of The Curious 100 include Llisa Demetrios (granddaughter of Ray and Charles Eames), John Cary (President & CEO of the Institute), Scott Shigeoka (author of Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World), and Mitzi Okou (co-founder of Where Are The Black Designers?).

Cary emphasizes the importance of this recognition saring, “Each of them is a testament to the boundless potential of curiosity to shape a brighter, more creative, and hopeful future—at a time when we need that vision more than ever.”