Photo Credit: Oliver Tree by Bruce Baker / CC by 2.0
Oliver Tree’s family launches a foundation in his name to give grants to young artists: Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Art Grant for Baby Geniuses.
The family of Oliver Tree has honored the singer’s wishes, launching a foundation in his name to provide grants to young artists. The 32-year-old musician died in a helicopter crash in Brazil earlier this month, an incident that also claimed the lives of five others.
Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Art Grant for Baby Geniuses was launched in accordance with the artist’s plans, which were explicitly laid out months before his death.
“Oliver believed the most valuable way for artists to master their craft was not through studying, but by physically getting their hands dirty and creating things,” reads the foundation’s mission statement. “The foundation provides grants to artists working in music, film, installation, and performance art.”
Tree discussed his plans to set up such a foundation only months before his death. In April, he said during an interview, “I don’t believe that the wealth or anything that is generated from [my work] is mine.”
“My will is set up so when I pass, my family, nobody is going to get a penny. If I have a wife or kids or anything, they’re not getting a penny. I’ll get my kids through college; that’s the agreement. But there’s not gonna be a silver spoon,” said Tree.
“There’s also room for other money, because when I die, my art will continue to have residuals and probably be worth more than it is now,” he explained. “People will finally appreciate my stupid videos and my stupid songs. That’s when people appreciate you—when you’re not there anymore.”
He outlined his plans to set up his own foundation, Dr. Oliver Tree’s Art Grants for Baby Geniuses (a slightly different name than what came to pass). However, it’s not clear whether he was able to put it in place before his death, or simply outlined plans in his will.
“Hopefully it will last for like 100 years and people can donate,” he added.
Tree also explained that the grants would be designed specifically to fund the physical creation of art, rather than personal expenses or formal study. The foundation also said that Tree asked that “specified non-art-related and non-sentimental assets” be sold to establish the grant fund. Donations are also being accepted.
“You’re not allowed to buy equipment with the money, you’re not allowed to get education or go to school with the money,” said Tree. “But you’re allowed to physically hire people to help produce stuff. You’re allowed to rent gear and equipment.”
Application requirements and other details will be announced soon. Tree’s family also announced that a celebration of life and memorial service will be held on July 25 at the University of California, Santa Cruz’s Quarry Amphitheater. The event will be attended primarily by friends and family due to limited space, but will be livestreamed for fans.