YoungArts recognizes hundreds of the country’s most promising artists with national awards each year. Beyond award designation, winners have the opportunity to participate in life-changing programs that consist of learning experiences with some of the most accomplished artists in each of our ten disciplines. They are able to connect with a rich network of peers and showcase work via performances and exhibitions. Joining a 20,000-strong alumni community, YoungArts award winners connect with peers who have attended many of the top universities and conservatories across the country and have become leading professionals in their fields. The following section highlights specifics related to each award level designation.
Recognition Levels Merit: The YoungArts Merit award level recognizes work that has been deemed as commendable by the panel, strong technically with a clear artistic point of view. Merits receive a monetary award of $100.
Honorable Mention: The YoungArts Honorable Mention award level recognizes work that demonstrates exceptional technique; a strong sense of artistry; and a depth of thinking/performance that exceeds the level of peers at this career stage. Honorable Mentions receive a monetary award of $250.
Finalist: The YoungArts Finalist award recognizes work that demonstrates exceptional technique; a strong, sophisticated, nuanced, and clear artistic point of view; and a depth of thinking/performance that far exceeds the level of peers at this career stage. Finalists are invited to participate in National YoungArts Week and will have their work further evaluated and recognized as one of the following: Level 3 $1,000; Level 2 $1,500; Level 1 $3,000; Silver $5,000; and Gold $10,000. Finalists who attend National YoungArts Week and meet the eligibility requirements are also considered for nomination to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
In addition to monetary awards, all winners receive a medallion, a lifetime of creative and professional support, and access to YoungArts Post, a private, online portal for YoungArts artists to connect, share their work and discover new opportunities.