National Arts Competition
YoungArts identifies exceptional young artists, amplifies their potential, and invests in their lifelong creative freedom.
Are you a 15- to 18-year-old visual, literary, or performing artist based in the United States?
The 2026 YoungArts application opens in July 2025.
For many young people, applying to YoungArts may be the first step in affirming “I am an artist.” YoungArts is one of the only organizations in the U.S. that supports artists across 10 disciplines at all stages of development, beginning with the critical moment when they decide to pursue a life in the arts, and continuing throughout their careers.
Artists ages 15–18, or grades 10–12, in the U.S. are encouraged to apply in the discipline of their choice. All applications are evaluated by esteemed discipline-specific panels of artists through an adjudication process that includes multiple rounds of review. Award winners are offered a lifetime of artistic support and ongoing connection with an extraordinarily robust network of peers and mentors.
Winners are chosen
Award winners are selected through an adjudication process that includes multiple rounds of review. In each round, a national pool of artists review and evaluate materials within their respective specialties.
Lifetime of Support
YoungArts award winners have ongoing access to the YoungArts Post, a private, online portal that allows artists to connect, share their work and discover fellowships, residencies, wellness resources, microgrants and additional financial support.
Competition Winners
YoungArts award winners are the nation’s most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary, design and performing arts.