The National YoungArts Foundation provides emerging artists (ages 15-18 or grades 10-12) with opportunities to work with renowned mentors, scholarships, national recognition, and other opportunities throughout their careers to help ensure that outstanding young artists are encouraged to pursue careers in the arts.

YoungArts is accepting applications for its 2017 Prize cycle. Support is offered in ten artistic disciplines: cinematic arts, dance, design, jazz, music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice, and writing.

All YoungArts Winners are exposed to professional and educational opportunities, including the chance to work with and learn from renowned artists in their fields — such as Debbie Allen, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Judith Hill, Plácido Domingo, Frank Gehry, Neil Patrick Harris, Jeff Koons, Wynton Marsalis, Salman Rushdie, and Carrie Mae Weems — and are eligible to participate in one of YoungArts’ annual regional programs in Miami, Los Angeles and New York, space permitting. YoungArts also offers a strong professional network of more than twenty thousand alumni, as well as ongoing professional guidance and the opportunity to perform and exhibit their work at some of the nation’s leading cultural institutions, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington, D.C.), the Baryshnikov Arts Center (New York), Sotheby’s (New York), and the New World Center (Miami).

Each year, hundreds of students are selected from across the country as national winners.  Winners will receive grants of up to $10,000 each, have the opportunity to attend YoungArts programs, and partake in master classes with internationally renowned artists, workshops, interdisciplinary activities, performances, and exhibitions.

There is a $35 non-refundable application fee per category; however, fee waivers are available.

Citizens or legal residents of the United States or U.S. Territories who are between the ages of 15 and 18 on December 1, 2016, or in grades 10-12, may apply. International students who are studying in the U.S. on a student visa are eligible to apply.  YoungArts reserves the right to extend eligibility on a case by case basis provided the applicant’s birth date falls within ninety days before or after the designated guidelines.

Visit the YoungArts website for complete program guidelines, an FAQ, and application instructions.