Visual Arts
Visual Arts is one of 10 artistic disciplines in YoungArts’ national competition. This discipline encompasses a broad range of fine art including multi-media and performance art. If your work includes fashion, product, graphic design, or architecture please see the Design discipline.
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 portfolios convey the artist’s ability to develop and materialize ideas while demonstrating a distinct vision.
The 2026 YoungArts application opens in July 2025.
Tips for young artists | Daniel Arsham (1999 Visual Arts), Guest Artist
Tips for young artists | Daniel Arsham (1999 Visual Arts), Guest Artist
How did YoungArts impact your life? | Devin Caserta (2006 Visual Arts)
How did YoungArts impact your life? | Devin Caserta (2006 Visual Arts)
What did YoungArts do for you? | (2011 Visual Arts & U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts)
What did YoungArts do for you? | (2011 Visual Arts & U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts)
See our FAQ for answers to common questions about the competition and application.
YoungArts is unequivocally the thing that has made me realize the person I want to be, how I want my future to look, and the work I’ll have to put in to achieve that.”
— Njari Anderson (2019 Visual Arts & U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts)