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 a Finalist, 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.

Application requirements vary by category. Select your category and review the detailed requirements before applying. 

Creative Nonfiction

Novel

Play or Script

Poetry

Short Story

Spoken Word

The 2024 YoungArts application opens June 2023.

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Have Questions?

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

 

Tips and Testimonials from Winners and Guest Artists

Application tips | Vanessa Garcia & Grace Talusan, National Selection Panelists

Application tips | Christopher Castellani (1990, 1992 Writing), National Selection Panelist

Application tips | Sarah Braunstein, Guest Artist

Application tips | John Murillo, Guest Artist

2023 Application Writing Info Session

What it's like to be a YoungArts Winner | Nicole Cooley (1984 Writing), National Selection Panelist

View select works from winners here.

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)