Pablo Picasso once said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up"
As a little girl, I would watch movies and listen to music, dreaming about the day I would become an actress and storyteller living in Hollywood. In 2004, that dream became a reality and I ventured across the other side of the world to do just that. Young, alone, and an immigrant, there was nothing I wanted more than my American Dream. My confidence and determination was at its highest and the image of my future so real I could taste it. With 20 years of experience as a working child actor from a showbiz family, being awarded my VISA and a series of opportunities, I thought I was prepared for an exciting journey.
Unfortunately the road ahead was far from what I had imagined. Instead of achieving my dream, I was challenged, as an artist, as a woman, and as a storyteller. I battled with Self Doubt; Self Sabotage; Fear of Success; Fear of Failure, Body Dysmorphia, #metoo movement; Sexuality identity as a Bi woman; Gender Equality; Mental Health; the importance of Mindset; Battling Addictions and most importantly Self Worth & Self Esteem. I limited myself from truly realising my potential and stepping into my rightful role, as a leader, that I now have the privilege to stand in.
After 20 years in the United States, I look back to who I was and who I am now and I am beyond grateful. For I have battled, and continue to battle, to be the best version of myself and live in my inner child's artistic freedom and imagination. That is where true artists belong. A place where anything is possible. If it weren't for my journey I never would have discovered this. For that I am thankful. This has turned out to be my American Dream. I
APPLICATION PROCESS:
PRIZE WINNER RECEIVES:
TOTAL VALUE: $12307.00USD
*ALL APPLICANTS RECEIVE ONE ON ONE FEEDBACK SESSION.
**APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO COMMIT TO OUR PROGRAMS
The J.O. Arts Scholarship is more than a scholarship—it’s a lifeline for artists with big dreams and bold visions. Open to creatives from the Americas and beyond, this full scholarship and mentorship program seeks to empower artists who’ve felt restricted or silenced in their pursuit of artistic freedom.
We’re looking for dreamers with entrepreneurial vision, passion, and purpose. This scholarship is for those who have faced barriers—be they social, cultural, personal, or systemic—and are ready to transform their lives through their artistry.
Regardless of where you come from, how you identify, or what obstacles you’ve faced, this scholarship is here to amplify your voice, support your growth, and help you break into the industry.
OPEN TO US & WORLDWIDE APPLICANTS
Daughter of award winning Australian actors Paula Duncan and John Orcsik; actress, producer, and director Jessica Orcsik has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry for over 35 years.
As the CEO of Diversity Entertainment, she served as an associate producer on the critically acclaimed Australian feature Unsound, which won the Melbourne Queer Festival and was ranked among the Top 10 Australian Films of 2020. Now streaming on Netflix, Unsound has earned international recognition and has led to an array of co-productions. Jessica also produced the award-winning Australian play Dead Skin, which received the Hollywood Fringe Encore Producers Award and was nominated for Best International Play and Best Drama.
Promoting diversity and inclusion through initiatives like the Focus On Ability Short Film Festival and mentoring roles in the American Arts Film & Television Academy, Jessica is an established business woman with a worldwide wealth of industry relationships. She was recently honored by the WNBA & Lendistry for her leadership in business, and in the past 3 years raised over $150,000 for empowering emerging student filmmakers. In her role as Head of Development at Rockwell Media Partners, she is driving innovation in American and Australian co-productions
Jessica Orcsik & husband Robbie Ryde at the 2019 AACTA Awards.
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