2027 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 with corresponding video recorded performance for each. Materials should not exceed ten (10) pages total.
  • Formatting may reflect the intention of the author. Please include page numbers.

NOTE: If you are selected as a winner with distinction and attend National YoungArts Week, an editor will select writing(s) from your application for a published anthology of works, and you will also perform one of your works live on stage at the Writers Readings.

Recording Guidelines

  • Sound: Make sure the acoustics in the room are suitable for a recording. Utilize the microphone on the camera. No mics should be seen in the frame while recording your piece. Background music or soundtracks of any kind are not permitted.
  • Image: Be sure your image is clear and good quality without background distractions.
  • Framing: The camera should be set at a fixed point of view. Shooting straight on, leaving the camera in one location at a distance to frame you and your facial expressions clearly.
  • 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.

File Upload Guidelines

  • Save each selection individually and name the files with their titles.
  • Do not place your name or any identifying information including but not limited to awards, publications, etc. in or on your files.
  • Upload each selection as a separate file.
  • Proofread your entire submission before uploading. Check for spelling errors.
  • Verify that the video image is upright (not sideways or upside down) and plays smoothly.
  • Please refrain from submitting pre-recorded live performances, such as recitals, concerts, or competitions whenever possible.

Intellectual Property and Copyright

  • All submitted work must be entirely original and cannot infringe on the copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights of any other individual or entity.

NOTE: 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.