ABOUT THE INITIATIVE

Mission Statement
The Orson Welles Initiative seeks to support early- and mid-career American artists engaged in the active creation of original works of theater, radio, film, and visual arts. American artists, especially those facing socio-economic disadvantages, will be especially sought after to support in the following ways:

Film Grants & Screenings

• Award grants to emerging American independent filmmakers

• Organize screenings of independent and student films

Stage Play & Musical Grants & Development Opportunities

• Award grants to promising American playwrights and musical theater writers

• Develop new American plays and musicals through table readings, staged readings, and full productions

Radio Grants & Development Opportunities

• Award grants for American excellence in scripted radio (AKA "podcast") plays

• Develop new American radio plays through table readings, staged readings, and full productions

High School Artist Grants

• Award grants to promising American high school students using art to explore social justice issues

The Orson Welles Initiative will always endeavor to honor the legacy of the great American storyteller Orson Welles, by uplifting and supporting American artists from all walks of life.

ABOUT ORSON WELLES

From his legendary 1941 film Citizen Kane to his terrifyingly real radio science fiction saga, War of the Worlds, the late Orson Welles was a master of crafting engaging and thought-provoking stories.

Orson was a true American artist; born in the small lighthouse town of Kenosha, Wisconsin and partially raised in a Chicago area orphanage, Orson struck out on his own at the age of 18 with virtually no ties to the entertainment industry, and became a legend. His passion created stories that resonated with audiences, making art that impacted the way people perceived the world.

Orson Welles pushed boundaries, collaborated boldly, and created timeless classics without ever ceding artistic control. The purpose of The Orson Welles Initiative is to carry on this legacy by fiscally supporting artists engaged in the active creation of original and thought-provoking works of theater, film, audio storytelling, and other forms of art.

Click here for more information about Orson Welles.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Cara Winter
Founder and Executive Director

Gregory Frezados

Secretary

W. Andrew Burdick
Treasurer

The Orson Welles Initiative is a 501(c)3 based in Illinois.