Writing

Writing encompasses creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story and spoken word. 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.

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Are you a writer who is 15–18 years old or in grades 10–12?

The 2022 application is now closed.

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FAQ

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

All the requirements for the 2022 competition are listed in the downloadable PDFs.

Hear from Winners and Guest Artists

Sarah Braunstein, Guest Artist

John Murillo, Guest Artist

Rhiannon McGavin (2016 Writing)

Christopher Castellani (1992 Writing), National Selection Panelist

Vanessa Garcia & Grace Talusan, National Selection Panelists

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)