YoungArts Now Accepting Applications for National Arts Competition

Winners of the contest, hosted by YoungArts, will win mentorships, professional opportunities, and up to $10,000 in monetary prizes.

By Brigitt Earley June 27, 2018

The annual contest by YoungArts, one of the most comprehensive programs dedicated to nurturing young artists between the ages of 15 and 18 or in high school grades 10–12, offers monetary awards of up to $10,000, opportunities to participate in nationwide programs, mentorships, the chance to become a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, and professional guidance, according to a press release.

Winners will also have the chance to work with and learn from renowned artists in their fields, such as Debbie Allen, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Frank Gehry, Jeff Koons, Wynton Marsalis, Salman Rushdie, Rebecca Walker and Carrie Mae Weems.

“At a point when the future of arts education is uncertain in this country, our role in supporting and advocating for young artists has never been as important,” says Carolina García Jayaram, YoungArts President and CEO. “We look forward to receiving applications for our 2019 program from young artists across the country, and supporting the next generation of leading artists at this pivotal point in their careers.”

To be eligible for the competition, applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 18 or in high school grades 10-12 (as of December 1, 2018). Applicants must also be either a United States citizen or a permanent resident and must demonstrate excellence in the visual, literary, design, or performing arts.

Prospective candidates should submit applications on the YoungArts website. Applicants may apply to any of YoungArts’ 10 disciplines: Cinematic Arts, Dance, Design Arts, Jazz, Classical Music, Photography, Theater, Visual Arts, Voice and Writing. The applications deadline is October 12, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Winners will be selected through a blind judging process, and recognized at the finalist, honorable mention, or merit levels.