During this year’s Walker’s Rising Stars Foundation Gala at Telluride Film Festival, students from all over Colorado had the unique opportunity to perform on stage to compete for different scholarships. The event, presented by Amountwill provide the next generation of artists and creativity financial support and mentoring throughout their growing career.
“As a recording artist and the UCLA Theater degree, I have navigated in the often unremitting landscape in art, handled so much rejection and moments of self-doubt that tested my determination,” said Kimberly Cole, a recording artist and the first recipient of the first Hero Award. “Being part of Walker’s Rising Stars is my heartfelt commitment to give back, to promote a space where young artists feel not only seen but really cared for. The art was my sanctuary, a place where I found my voice when the world seemed to be silent. Their dreams with unmatched confidence and ensure they know they are valuable and belong.”
Dr. Jeff Walker revealed how the foundation’s origin began to help support students in need of support in art. “(The program) started over 20 years ago in St. Petersburg, Florida (with) juniors and seniors at the high school,” Walker said on stage in the gala. “They go through several audition processes and then they end up on the big stage in the center and put on a show where they sing, dance, theater, musical instruments, visual art to get scholarships from $ 1,000 to $ 10,000.”
“I love Walker’s Rising Stars because it gives young people the chance to be seen and celebrated for who they are,” Alena Walker added. Looking at these students going on stage and pouring the whole heart into their art is powerful – it inspires their peers, their families and the whole community. The scholarships we provide not only facilitate the educational burden; They open doors that students have dreamed of and give them the courage to strive for roads that they may have considered pushing aside. In its core, Walker’s Rising Stars is about investing in the next generation, which ensures that they know that their voices are important and their dreams are worth hunting. Supporting this program means believing in the future of our children and the crucial role that art plays in inspirational connection and creativity. “
When the event gives students the opportunity to showcase their work, the event hopes to inspire the next generation to continue to create visual art in the industry. “The (foundation) is a charity that tries to be different from just giving a child a scholarship,” Dr. Jeff Walker. “At each program (offered) 5% will go for the scholarships and the event. The ultimate vision is free college for the art. It is the ultimate goal.”
He added, “I founded Walker’s Rising Stars because I think education and art are crucial to building trust, care for talent and keeping” the people in the humanities. “Too many talented young people never persecute their dreams due to financial obstacles or lack of recognition of this program was designed to change it – to give students confidence, scholarships and support they need to follow their passion in the art, while honoring teachers and families who control them.
