Ala Ebtekar’s exceptional contributions to the world of visual arts, civic spaces and academia make him an inspiring and multifaceted role model for our community. From his exploration of cosmic themes and the phenomenology of light, to his merging of ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology, Ala's relentlessly curious and creative embrace of the world is a poignant example of what it means to "belong in the world," a concept so central to EB's ongoing educational mission.

Ala’s passion for art was evident from a young age, and Berkeley's vibrant cultural landscape provided a variety of opportunities for it to grow. At just 13, he trained as a DJ at KALX 90.7 FM, UC Berkeley’s radio station, a pivotal decision which he says eventually led him to explore graffiti and later, traditional visual arts.

Following high school, Ebtekar studied traditional painting in Iran under the guidance of Mohammad Farahani before taking academia by storm. His academic career has flourished as a Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Art Practice at UC Berkeley (2007-2008), then the Department of Art and Art History at Stanford University since 2009.

Recognized by The Huffington Post as one of the "17 Visual Artists You Should Know in 2016,” Ala’s influence in the art world continues to be unique and profound. He is the founder and director of Stanford University’s Art, Social Space and Public Discourse initiative, where he investigates shifting ideas of public space through art, as well as a founding member of Stanford University’s Creative Cities Working Group.

His impressive portfolio includes over a dozen public and civic art commissions, with notable works for SFO (San Francisco International Airport), Alserkal in the UAE, The City of Oakland, Asian Art Museum, and Meta HQ in Menlo Park, CA. Internationally, Ala's work has been included in prestigious collections such as those of the British Museum, Whitney Museum of American Art, and the de Young Fine Arts Museum. He has been awarded residencies at ZKM, Cité Internationale des Arts, 18th Street Art Center, Sazmanab, and the San Francisco Center for the Book.

Much of Ala's work reflects a deep contemplation of time, space, and the human experience, making him a fitting recipient of this award. From his exploration of cosmic themes and the phenomenology of light, to his merging of ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology, Ala's relentlessly curious and creative embrace of the world is a perfect embodiment of what it means to "belong in the world," a concept so central to EB's ongoing educational mission.