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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Competition Eligibility

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.

Application Requirements

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.

Requirements are for reference only and will be updated in June 2024.

Creative Nonfiction

Novel

Play or Script

Poetry

Short Story

Spoken Word

The 2025 YoungArts application opens in June 2024.

Resources

Tips and Testimonials from Winners and Guest Artists

Select Readings from Winners

View select works from winners here.

See our FAQ for answers to common questions about the competition and application.

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)