Due Oct 6, 2026

YoungArts National Arts Competition

National YoungArts Foundation · Direct application

$250–$10,000

Eligibility

Major
Visual Performing Arts
Education level
High school

About this scholarship

Visual, literary, and performing artists ages 15 to 18 (grades 10-12) who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or legally able to receive taxable income in the United States may apply to the YoungArts National Arts Competition in one or more of ten disciplines.

All award winners receive cash prizes from $250 to $10,000. Winners also gain access to mentorship, National YoungArts Week, professional development, and a lifelong artist network through the YoungArts Post.

Apply online with discipline-specific portfolio materials (video, audio, images, or documents) and a $35 fee per application, or upload a fee-waiver letter if needed. The 2027 application opens Tuesday, July 21, 2026 and closes Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (5 p.m. Pacific Time).

YoungArts is a national arts organization that identifies and supports exceptional young artists across disciplines at the start of their careers.

Essay questions