Writing
Writing is one of 10 artistic disciplines in YoungArts’ national competition. This discipline encompasses creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story and spoken word.
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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/green card recipient, or I can demonstrate that I am legally able to receive taxable income in the United States.
- 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.
The strongest submissions demonstrate a sense of inventiveness, show attention to the complexities and technical aspects of language, and have a clear, original, and distinct point of view.
The 2025 YoungArts application closes on October 17, 2024 at 8 PM ET.
View select works from winners here.
See our FAQ for answers to common questions about the competition and application.
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For the first time, I felt confident and so centered in my art—for the first time, I had the opportunity to talk to talented and powerful artists my age and learn from them.”
— Sarah Mohammed (2021 Writing)