2026 YoungArts National Competition

For many young people, applying to YoungArts may be the first step in affirming “I am an artist.” YoungArts is one of the only organizations in the U.S. that supports artists across 10 disciplines at all stages of development, beginning with the critical moment when they decide to pursue a life in the arts, and continuing throughout their careers. 

Artists ages 15–18, or grades 10–12, are encouraged to apply in the discipline(s) of their choice. All applications are judged by esteemed discipline-specific panels of artists through a rigorous adjudication process, and award winners are offered a lifetime of artistic support and ongoing connection with an extraordinarily robust network of peers and mentors.

Apply for a chance to receive:

• Cash awards of up to $10,000*

• Mentorship from guest artists

• National recognition

• Lifetime of support

*All 2026 competition winners and winners with distinction must complete the Artist Resource Collective financial literacy program for young artists (YoungARC) in order to receive their cash award. Classes are broken into 20-minute blocks, totaling 3.5 hours of instruction. Further directions will be provided in notification emails for winners and winners with distinction. 

• Either a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident/green card recipient, or can demonstrate that you're legally able to receive taxable income in the United States.  

• In grades 10–12 or 15–18 years of age on December 1 of the year you are applying.

• If selected as a winner with distinction, this would be your first time attending National YoungArts Week.