Jesse and Judith Thompkins launched The Jesse Thompkins III Foundation for Young People in the Arts in memory of their son, a young filmmaker, who died on August 3, 2008 in a traffic-related accident in Brooklyn, New York. His passion to write and direct was evident in the many short films he created during his lifetime.
“Everything I write is informed by my own experiences and the experiences of the people around [me]. I take strands from here and there to make my rope. Then I tie my own knot. Problem is sometimes the knot doesn’t hold. I try to untie it and re-tie again and again until it holds.” – Jesse Thompkins III
Mission: The Jesse Thompkins III Foundation for Young People in the Arts (JT3Art) invests in the development of emerging artists who best embody our namesake’s tenacity in the pursuit of their artistic passion.
Art has the ability to revitalize and enrich world culture, yet emerging artists are often compelled to choose between advancing their artistic endeavors or supporting their basic needs. Too many talented individuals have to give up on their dream before they have a chance to take flight. We want to help change that. Our goal is to assist these individuals so they can devote more attention to developing their artistic gifts.
This year, JT3 Art made unrestricted JT3 Artist Awards to those who best embody the creative energy and drive our namesake brought to life with each short film and script he completed.
We are pleased to announce the winners of our JT3 Artist Award program.
- Bridget Palardy, JT3 Artist Award of Distinction, $2,500
- Nikyatu Jusu, JT3 Artist Award, $1,500
- Wendy James, JT3 Artist Award, $1,000
- Chioke Nassor, JT3 Artist Award, $500
- Andrew Brotzman, JT3 Artist Award, $500
To read more about our award winners and view their films, please click here.
Each recipient was given the opportunity to show their award winning films at our JT3 Art Celebrates Young Filmmakers event on Thursday October 22, 2009 at the esteemed Brooklyn Academy of Music. Representatives from African American Women in Cinema, New York Women in Film and Television, Art House Productions, roc-elle records, NYC Screenwriters Meetup, Made In NY’s Production Assistant Training Program, and Columbia University’s Black Alumni Council were in attendance. Please go here for more details on this occasion.
“I urge parents to support the artistic visions of their children whether they pursue art as a profession or as a hobby. Art plays a critical role in our lives by providing education, motivation, and healing. Although I no longer have my son, I have the art through which he continues to communicate his most optimistic, loving, inspired, and humorous self. Our awards celebration, the young people we honored, the loyal donors and supporters, and the collaboration that made it happen are part of the legacy that my son, and other filmmakers and artists create with their work,” Said JT3 Art Chairwoman Judith Thompkins, who is Jesse's mom.
We will be open to applicants for the 2010 JT3 Artist Award in the coming months. Applicants will be accepted from Brooklyn, NY and Washington, DC. If you would like to be added to our email list to receive information on our next grant program, please write us at JT3AwardInfo@jt3art.org
If you would like to learn more about the Foundation’s activities, plans, and finances, we encourage you to email us at info@jt3art.org.
Those who wish, may send donations to: Jesse Thompkins III Foundation for Young People in the Arts, Chevy Chase Bank, 925 15th St NW, Washington DC 20005. You may also make a credit card donation by entering a donation amount below.
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