YoungArts National Arts Competition
Location:
United States (online application, award events held in Miami, FL)
Cost:
$35 application fee per entry (fee waiver available)
Contest Date:
Applications open around late‑June/July, final deadline mid‑October; winners announced in November (e.g. for 2026 cycle application period: opens July 22, closes October 8, 2025; winners announced November 24, 2025)
Application Deadlines:
October 8, 2025 at 8 PM ET for 2026 cycle (or October 17, 2024 for the 2025 cycle)
Eligibility:
U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or individuals legally able to receive taxable income in the U.S.; in grades 10–12 or aged 15–18 as of December 1 of the application year; previous award winners who have attended National YoungArts Week are not eligible to reapply
YoungArts is a prestigious national competition recognizing exceptional high school artists across ten disciplines including visual, literary, and performing arts. Reviewing is done by blind adjudication panels. Winners may receive cash awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, are invited to attend National YoungArts Week in Miami, and may be nominated for U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts. All award winners gain access to ongoing professional development, mentorship, grants, exhibition and performance opportunities, and membership in the YoungArts alumni community
Please note: This information is compiled from publicly available sources and may change from year to year. Dates, locations, fees, and other details are subject to updates—please verify all information directly on the official competition website before applying.