Apply to the National Arts Competition

To be eligible, you must be able to answer ”Yes“ to these statements:

• I am either a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident or legally able to receive taxable income in the U.S. (i.e., have a social security number).
• I am in grades 10–12 or 15–18 years of age on December 1 of the year I am applying.
• If I’m selected as an award winner with distinction, this would be my first time attending National YoungArts Week.

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.