2026 National Arts Competition Application Requirements

Writing – Spoken Word

Please follow the requirements as closely as possible. Failure to comply with the requirements may make your application ineligible for an award.  

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Application Requirements

  • Two (2) to three (3) written poems. Total written materials not to exceed ten (10) pages.
  • Separate video performance for each poetry submission.
  • Submissions must be in English. If words or phrases in another language are used, translations must be included either in parenthesis within the piece or in the footnotes.

NOTE: If you are selected as a winner with distinction and attend National YoungArts Week, you will be part of a published anthology of works and will also perform one of your works live for the panel at the Writers Readings. The editor will be making their selections for the anthology from your submissions.

Guidelines for Recording

  • Image: Record your audition in a clearly defined space. The background should be free of anything distracting. Make sure the recording is clear. The judges must be able to see your facial expressions to properly adjudicate your work.
  • Sound: Make sure the acoustics in the room are strong. Utilize only the microphone on the video camera. Do not use a handheld microphone.  No mics should be seen in the frame while recording your piece. Background music or soundtracks of any kind are not permitted.
  • Lighting: Make sure the space is well lit, but not too bright. Judges should be able to see your face clearly. Too little light and judges may not be able to see you. Too much light will leave you overexposed, and judges cannot see your expressions.
  • Framing: The camera should be set at a distance to frame your face and body clearly using a fixed point of view for your camera, with you being the main focus. Shoot straight on, leaving the camera in one location. Do not pan or move the camera. If judges only see your face and shoulders, it’s too close. If judges can see the entire background, but your facial expressions cannot be seen clearly, it’s too far away.
  • Clothing: Wear clothing that is simple and comfortable that has a gentle contrast to the backdrop and will help us see you clearly. Please refrain from wearing costumes unless it is important to the piece.

Media Submission Requirements

  • Typed formatting may reflect the intention of the author.
  • Please include page numbers.
  • Proofread your entire submission before uploading.
  • Each piece should be saved as a separate file with its title and uploaded individually.
    • Total size for each video file cannot exceed 2 GB.
  • List the title of the work in the space provided.
  • When uploading, verify that the video image is upright (not sideways or upside down) and plays smoothly.
  • Do not put your name or any identifying information in or on your submission.
  • Please do not:
    • edit within a piece.
    • submit pre-recorded live performances, such as recitals, concerts, or competitions.

Intellectual Property and Copyright Requirements

  • All submitted work must be entirely original and must not infringe on the copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights of any other individual or entity.
  • You are welcome to submit materials that have been part of other applications, competitions, or projects. YoungArts does not own any works submitted to its competition, however if your work has been submitted to other competitions, you are responsible for obtaining permission to submit to YoungArts, if necessary.