Apply to the National Arts Competition

Answer these four questions to determine your eligibility.

• The 2027 YoungArts application will close on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 8 PM ET. We encourage artists to note this deadline carefully and submit their applications early.
• Application requirements across disciplines and categories are updated annually. Find all requirements here, and be sure to review them thoroughly before submitting your application.
• The application platform has changed.
  • If this is your first time applying, or if you’ve never received a YoungArts award, click here to access the application portal. On the application portal, click ‘Log in’ in the top right corner. Once there, click ‘Register Here’ to create a new account. Or, simply click the ‘Register Here to Apply’ button on the discipline/category page of your choosing.
  • If you are a recent award winner re-applying, follow these instructions to retrieve your password.

Cash awards

All YoungArts award winners receive cash prizes between $250 and $10,000.

Mentorship by accomplished artists

We provide mentorship opportunities with accomplished artists to help award winners prepare for and navigate a career in the arts.

A lifetime of creative and professional support

YoungArts is more than an award. Artists access resources and opportunities at every stage of their development to support a sustainable practice.

A robust network

YoungArts award winners join a community of distinguished artists that provides a long–term, robust network to help artists at all stages of their education and career.

National recognition  

The prestigious award gives emerging artists a headstart by demonstrating that they have received national recognition from highly respected artists in their field early on in their artistic journey.