National Arts Competition - YoungArts

Grades

High school students (ages 15-18, typically grades 9-12)

Age

Must be between 15-18 years old at time of application

Citizenship

U.S. citizens and permanent residents; some international students may be eligible depending on residency

Prerequisites

Demonstrated artistic ability in one of the 10 disciplines; no formal training requirement, but serious artistic commitment expected

Steps

1. Create account on YoungArts portal
2. Select primary discipline (one of 10 categories)
3. Submit artistic portfolio/work samples according to discipline-specific guidelines
4. Complete biographical and background information
5. Write artist statement (typically 200-500 words explaining your artistic practice)
6. Submit application before deadline (typically early November)
7. Wait for notification of acceptance/finalist status

Materials Needed

• Original artwork samples (digital or physical depending on discipline)
• Artist statement
• Academic/artistic background information
• Contact information
• School information (if applicable)
• For finalists: availability for potential interview/evaluation dates

Timeline

Application typically opens in summer (July-August), closes in early November. Winners announced January-February. Finalist interviews/performances may occur in January-February.

Cost

Application fee varies by discipline; typically $0-50 (some sources indicate it may be free or have minimal fee)

What Judges Look For

• Technical skill and artistic competence in chosen discipline
• Originality and creative vision
• Depth of artistic practice and commitment to craft
• Artistic maturity and potential for growth
• Quality and presentation of submitted work
• Authenticity of artistic voice
• Demonstrated passion for the arts
• Potential to benefit from mentorship and community

Scoring

Judging typically involves professional artists and educators in each discipline rating applications on technical ability, creativity, artistic maturity, and potential. Selection is highly competitive with panels looking for both current achievement and future promise.

Common Mistakes

• Submitting poorly lit or low-quality recordings/photos of artwork
• Generic or superficial artist statement lacking personal insight
• Failing to follow specific submission guidelines for each discipline
• Submitting work that doesn't represent best efforts or most developed pieces
• Missing key materials or incomplete applications
• Not meeting technical specifications (file formats, video length, etc.)
• Artist statement that reads like resume rather than reflecting on artistic practice
• Submitting work too early in artistic development without showing mastery

Acceptance Rate

Approximately 10-15% (highly selective; exact rates not publicly available but consistently described as 'highly competitive')

Applicants

Estimated 3,000-5,000+ applicants annually across all disciplines

Winners / Selected

Approximately 400-500 finalists/award recipients across all 10 disciplines

• Start portfolio preparation early (summer before application deadline); don't rush final selections
• Choose your strongest discipline; only apply in one category unless you have equal mastery in multiple areas
• Record/photograph your work professionally - invest time in high-quality documentation
• Write an authentic, thoughtful artist statement that reveals your creative process and artistic philosophy
• Have your artist statement reviewed by teachers, mentors, or writing advisors for clarity and impact
• Follow ALL technical specifications exactly (file formats, video length, image resolution, etc.)
• Submit your strongest work, not your most recent work
• Include work that shows range and development within your discipline
• For performing arts, ensure recordings are of performances, not just isolated takes
• Consider getting feedback from experienced artists or teachers in your field before submitting
• Pay attention to presentation - clean, professional documentation matters
• Demonstrate commitment through involvement in your arts community (competitions, performances, exhibitions, collaborations)
• In artist statement, connect your work to larger artistic conversations or influences
• Apply early if possible; don't wait until the deadline
• Make sure biographical information is complete and accurate for potential finalist outreach

How to Prepare

• Identify your strongest artistic discipline and commit to deep preparation
• Document your best work professionally (high-quality photos/videos/recordings)
• Study past competition catalogs or finalist work to understand caliber expected
• Work with mentors, teachers, or coaches to refine your submission materials
• Create 3-5 strong portfolio pieces that represent your best work and artistic range
• Draft and revise artist statement multiple times with feedback from trusted advisors
• Practice performing/presenting your work if relevant to your discipline
• Gather technical expertise: learn to record performances well, photograph artwork properly
• Research the specific submission requirements for your discipline thoroughly
• Create a timeline working backward from deadline to ensure completion
• Get recommendations or endorsements from teachers/mentors if applicable
• Mock interview preparation if you advance to finalist stage
• Study judging criteria and self-evaluate your work against them

Resources

• YoungArts official website: www.youngarts.org (official guidelines and FAQs)
• Your school's arts teachers or counselors (often familiar with program)
• Private lessons/coaching in your discipline
• Arts mentors in your community (professional artists, arts organizations)
• Books on portfolio preparation for arts programs
• Online tutorials for documenting artwork professionally
• Previous finalists' work (if accessible) for calibration
• Local arts councils or youth arts organizations for guidance
• Peer artists for feedback and support
• Artist statement workshops or writing guides

Time Needed

6-12 months of serious preparation recommended. Start by summer before application. Intensive preparation: 3-6 months minimum. Last-minute: possible but not recommended given competition level.

Successful YoungArts applicants typically demonstrate: (1) Advanced technical skill in their discipline - often equivalent to someone training seriously for 5+ years; (2) Distinctive artistic voice or perspective; (3) Evidence of regular artistic practice and production; (4) Participation in arts competitions, performances, exhibitions, or productions; (5) Strong academic records (though arts achievement is primary factor); (6) Thoughtful engagement with their artistic discipline; (7) Ability to articulate their artistic vision clearly; (8) Often have studied privately or in advanced programs; (9) Show both technical mastery and creative originality; (10) Range in their work demonstrating artistic development and exploration

YoungArts recognition is HIGHLY prestigious in college admissions. It significantly strengthens applications to both arts-focused colleges and selective universities. Admissions officers view YoungArts finalists/winners as demonstrating: national-level artistic achievement, commitment to craft, ability to meet rigorous standards, and potential to contribute to campus artistic community. For arts programs (music conservatories, art schools, dance programs), it can be particularly impactful. For general admissions, it shows exceptional talent and dedication. The lifetime mentorship and community access also demonstrate serious artistic investment. College financial aid/merit scholarships may be available. Less impactful for non-arts programs but still demonstrates excellence and work ethic.

• Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting — Tier 2, fellowship
• Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award — Tier 2, scholarship
• YoungArts Creative Opportunities — Tier 2, enrichment
• Idyllwild Arts Academy — Tier 2, enrichment
• YoungArts Programs — Tier 2, award