James Tatum Foundation for the Arts, Inc.

James Tatum Foundation For The Arts, Inc

The James Tatum Foundation For The Arts, Inc., was founded in 1987 by a coalition of concerned educators and civic leaders who recognized that in the Metropolitan Detroit area, there were many artistically talented youth whose potential were not being nurtured to development. The foundation incorporated as a not for profit organization in December 1987 and received a 501 (c) (3) status in February 1998. The primary objectives of the Foundation are to:

Recognize the artistic talents of Michigan Youth
Provide opportunities to develop and display these artistic talents
Provide scholarship awards in the performing arts to high school students for colleges and universities
Support institutions that promote youth involvement in the arts
Seek public and private funds to help meet the Foundations objectives
Identify and nurture the artistic child prodigy in Michigan and offer support in the overall development of that child
Continue to promote and educate the public in education settings about jazz music.
Through the Foundation'sYouth Scholarship Program, talented youth are identified and provided a public showcase for recognition and financial awards to assist their performing art studies beyond high school.

Since then, the Foundation, with the assistance of community and corporate supporter's has blossomed into one of Detroit's most distinguished non-profit organizations nurturing students with diverse talents by providing scholarships, mentoring and exposure. JFTA has awarded over $226,000 in performing arts scholarship to graduating seniors who are advancing to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities nationally, including New York's Juilliard School of Music.

Tatum is proud to spearhead the Foundation into the 21st Century and plans to continue teaching the community about jazz/classical music and assisting talented youth to succeed "Our music heritage was created by our forefathers," said Tatum, who is in the process of writing a book for non-music instructors teaching the awareness and art form of jazz in the classroom. "I am educating teachers, the community and most important - the youth to carry this legacy from generation to generation. They are the ones keeping the spirit of music alive."

The Foundation through cooperative efforts with other institutions has provided financial support to youth and college students to promote individual artistic excellence, enrich school curriculum offering and promote the awareness of jazz music in the community. Through the foundation's Youth Scholarship Program, talented youth are identified and provided a public showcase for recognition and financial awards to assist their art studies beyond high school. Plans for the future include four year foundation scholarships and continued collaboration with Interlochen Arts Academy and Blue Lake Music Camp.

The Foundation's 17th Anniversary is a year long celebration of events statewide and throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. We honor the businesses, corporations, individuals, and groups who have supported the Foundation during the last 17 years!!

James Tatum Foundation for the Arts, Inc.
P. O. Box 32240/ Detroit, MI 48232
Phone:(313) 255-9015/ Fax:(313) 255-9014
E-mail: clejam@sbcglobal.net

Related Sites JamesTatum.com
Website by: Artistic-Evolution.com