In a time when the world is grappling with complex social, environmental, and cultural challenges, the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity has unveiled The Curious 100 — an inspiring initiative that highlights the power of curiosity as a tool for transformative change. Inspired by the legendary Ray and Charles Eames, this curated list celebrates 100 visionaries who embody curiosity as a driving force in their respective fields, from design and storytelling to social impact and sustainability.
Curiosity as a Force for Innovation
The Eames Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the Eameses’ dynamic legacy, believes that curiosity is more than just an intellectual pursuit; it’s a fundamental skill that fuels creative problem-solving and human connection. As Scott Shigeoka, a key partner in The Curious 100 and author of Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World, puts it: “Curiosity allows us to break free from biases, challenge assumptions, and approach others with empathy. It is a practice that fosters resilience, creativity, and progress.”
The honorees, selected from a diverse range of disciplines, exemplify this ethos. Spanning ten categories — including Builders, Makers, Reformers, and Storytellers — these leaders use curiosity as a means to address urgent global issues. Whether tackling climate change, racial justice, food insecurity, or urban renewal, each honoree represents a commitment to curiosity-driven solutions that make a lasting impact.
Celebrating Visionaries Who Lead with Curiosity
There are many friends of PRINT included in The Curious 100, Kevin Bethune being one of them who happens to be the March Book Club special guest — catch it this Thursday, March 20, at 4 p.m. ET. Other distinguished honorees include:
Theaster Gates: Renowned artist transforming Chicago’s South Side through urban renewal and community-building initiatives.
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson: A leading climate advocate and marine conservationist reshaping the conversation around environmental sustainability.
Sean Sherman (The Sioux Chef): A culinary innovator championing Indigenous food sovereignty and cultural preservation.
adrienne maree brown: Writer and facilitator nurturing transformative ideas and healing-centered activism.
Hannah Beachler: Academy Award-winning production designer whose work redefines cinematic storytelling and cultural representation.
The selection process was led by a panel of experts dedicated to fostering curiosity as a tool for innovation: Scott Shigeoka; Mitzi Okou, co-founder of Where Are The Black Designers?; Llisa Demetrios, Eames Institute’s chief curator and granddaughter of Ray and Charles Eames; and John Cary, president & CEO of the Institute.
Left: Mitzi Okou; Right: Llisa Demetrios
Left: John Cary; Right: Scott Shigeoka
A Legacy of Inquiry and Impact
The launch of The Curious 100 aligns with the Eames Institute’s broader mission to make design and curiosity accessible tools for addressing today’s most pressing challenges. “At its core, our mission is to celebrate the power of curiosity and design as problem-solving tools,” says Demetrios.
The individuals on this list embody that spirit, proving that curiosity isn’t just about asking questions—it’s about taking action.”
Llisa Demetrios
As the Eames Institute continues its work in cataloging and preserving the vast Eames Collection, The Curious 100 serves as a testament to the boundless potential of curiosity. It is a call to action for creatives, thinkers, and leaders to harness their own curiosity to build a better, more equitable world.
For the full list of honorees and more on The Curious 100, visit the Eames Institute’s website.
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