Lew, I had the same reaction. I supposed at first read that it had to do with categorizing “creative promise”. I would argue that creative promise can exist at any age. If an individual lacks “creative promise”, then 35 would be very old to draw that line in any case.
Thank you for your interest in our prizes. The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in the Arts aim to encourage and support young immigrants who have already demonstrated exceptional achievements and who often face significant challenges early in their careers. This is the reason why there is an age limit.
We also award the Vilcek Prizes, which honors immigrants who have made lasting contributions to American society through their extraordinary achievements in biomedical research and the arts and humanities. Please find more information about these prizes here: http://www.vilcek.org/prizes/overview.html
The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in the Arts aim to encourage and support young immigrants who have already demonstrated exceptional achievements and who often face significant challenges early in their careers.
Regardless of “already demonstrated exceptional achievements” EVERYONE faces “significant challenges” in life, and not just when they are young. I submit that the opposite is true. To quote film star Bette Davis, “Getting old isn’t for sissies.”
Your Foundation is clearly free to do as it wishes with it’s funds but you are practicing age discrimination and I’m calling you on it.
Disclaimer: Since I am 62 I am obviously biased, and as such, in the interest of open discussion on these boards, I will allow your post to stand.
I am however curious, is your Foundation is “tax-exempt”?
You know, if it were for newly-arrived immigrants, I could see that case. There are definite obstacles when you are a new comer.
But whether you immigrate when you are 20 or 40 or 60, I’ll have to side with Lew. I think it would be more difficult at an older age than at a younger age.
I know Brad’s age. I like to think we we separated at birth.
