YoungArts 2027 National Arts Competition (USA)
National Arts Competition for Young Artists in the United States
The YoungArts National Arts Competition is a national competition that recognizes and supports emerging young artists across the United States. The 2027 competition accepts applications across 10 artistic disciplines, including visual arts, design, photography, film, music, dance, theater, voice, and writing.
Competition Details
Competition: YoungArts 2027 National Arts Competition
Organizer: YoungArts
Scope: 🇺🇸 United States
Application period: July 21 – October 6, 2026
Deadline: October 6, 2026, at 8 PM ET
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or individuals legally able to receive taxable income in the United States
Age: 15–18 years old or in grades 10–12 as of December 1, 2026
Application fee: $35 per application
Fee waiver: Available to eligible applicants who cannot afford the fee.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen,
- Be a U.S. permanent resident, or
- Be legally able to receive taxable income in the United States.
Applicants must also be 15–18 years old or in grades 10–12 as of December 1, 2026.
Previous award winners who have attended National YoungArts Week are not eligible to apply again.
Artistic Disciplines
YoungArts accepts applications in 10 disciplines:
- Classical Music
- Dance
- Design
- Film
- Jazz
- Photography
- Theater
- Visual Arts
- Voice
- Writing
Visual Arts
Applicants in Visual Arts submit a portfolio of 10 images representing their strongest work from the past two years.
The portfolio should demonstrate original thinking, technical skill, execution, and a willingness to take creative risks. YoungArts recommends that the portfolio show a cohesive idea, technique, or theme.
Design
Design applications may include:
- Architectural Design
- Product Design
- UI/UX Design
- Graphic Design
- Fashion Design
- Cross-disciplinary Design
YoungArts’ Design discipline does not include illustration, comic book art, character design, coding, or gaming design.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by panels of artists with expertise in the relevant disciplines.
The selection process includes multiple rounds of national review and adjudication.
Awards and Opportunities
YoungArts provides selected artists with more than recognition. Award winners can gain access to long-term artistic and professional opportunities, including:
- National YoungArts Week
- Exhibition, residency, and performance opportunities
- Grants and funding
- Professional development
- Mentorship and artist networks
- Ongoing access to the YoungArts community
Deadline
Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 8 PM ET
All required application materials must be completed, uploaded, and submitted before the deadline.
Application Fee
$35 per application
Applicants may apply in multiple disciplines or categories, but a separate application fee applies to each application.
Eligible applicants who cannot afford the fee may request a fee waiver.
Official Application
YoungArts 2027 – Official Application Page
Important: YoungArts is not an international competition. It is a national competition for eligible young artists in the United States.