Jessica Orcsik Arts Scholarship

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Pablo Picasso once said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up" 

Nothing could be more true in the case of my journey. My childhood self was a dreamer, a believer and an artist. When I became an adult, life faced me with adversity in many proportions that as a result, meant much of my artistic freedom and identity was lost. 

As a little girl, I could watch movies and listen to music, dreaming about how one day I would be an actress and performer 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 to the country, 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.  The trials and tribulations I survived to obtain my VISA, and the 20 years of experience as a working child actor from a showbiz family had prepared me for what I thought would be an exciting journey. Unfortunately the road paved ahead was far from what I had imagined. Instead of being greeted with my dream, I was challenged by the truth of who I was. 

Until recently and my experience through Covid I never really understood how profound this impact was on my existence and my future. For the demons that surfaced within me then, as a woman, artist and creative, inhibited and limited myself from truly realising my potential and stepping into my rightful role that I now have the privilege to stand in. Demons included Self Doubt; Self Sabotage; Fear of Success; Fear of Failure, Body Dysmorphia, #metoo movement; Sexuality identifying as a Bi-Sexual woman; Gender Equality; Mental Health; the importance of Mindset; Battling my Addictions and most importantly Self Worth & Self Esteem. The battles that a true artist and creative must overcome in order for them to really live in their inner child and never be afraid of their imagination, challenges and the unknown. 

Now after 17 years of living here 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, each and every demon to be the best version of myself. Most importantly, so I can live in my inner child's artistic freedom and imagination. That is where true artists belong. Living in a place where anything is possible, and the demons we face build us up to be stronger. If it weren't for my journey to the United States I never would have discovered this. For that I am thankful. This has turned out to be my American Dream. Now its time to give back...

The J.O. Arts Scholarship is a full year scholarship and mentorship to an artist with a dream. Its to every little girl or boy who has a vision and imagination, however has let their demons perhaps restrict them for following their true passion in life. Regardless of where you come from or how you identify, this is open to any artist located within the United States. 

OPEN TO UNITED STATES RESIDENTS ONLY