MIAMI, FL (March 26, 2012) – YoungArts, the core program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA) and signature national program that recognizes and supports America’s most talented young artists in the visual, literary and performing arts, announces the opening of its 2013 application season. The application is available online at www.youngarts.org/apply until October 19, 2012, and early applications will be accepted through July 9.

Students ages 15-18 or in high school grades 10-12 (as of December 1, 2012) who demonstrate excellence in the visual, literary and performing arts are eligible to apply. Winners may receive financial awards and scholarships through YoungArts’ Scholarship List Service, opportunities to participate in workshops with master teachers and artists, performance and exhibition experiences with their fellow winners as well as the chance to be nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, which is the highest award that can be given to any artistically talented high school senior. YoungArts is the exclusive path to the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts awards.

Paul Lehr, YoungArts Executive Director said “YoungArts has served as an important moment in the careers of many accomplished artists such as dancer Desmond Richardson, writer Allegra Goodman, visual artist Abdi Farah and actress Kerry Washington, all of whom have achieved great success in the arts and entertainment industry. Each year we look forward to the application process and discovering the next generation of talented students.”

YoungArts selects from more than 5,000 applications each year and is the only national organization to recognize students in each of nine artistic disciplines: cinematic arts, dance, jazz, music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice and writing. Students are asked to fill out an online application and submit portfolio materials in their discipline. More information about requirements is available at www.youngarts.org/apply.

Applications are judged by a panel of esteemed artists, and approximately 150 national Finalists are invited to YoungArts Week in Miami in January, where they are further evaluated, award levels are determined and nominations are made for the 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts. Finalists are eligible for financial awards of up to $10,000, designed to assist them in their artistic career. Honorable Mention and Merit recognition is extended to winners (including monetary awards for Honorable Mention level), and all winners become program Alumni and receive access to scholarships, fellowships, opportunities to perform and exhibit their works and membership in the YoungArts Alumni Association. Regional Programs are held in South Florida and Greater New York for all winners in those areas, which include additional recognition, master class and workshop opportunities and performances.

To apply, eligible students should visit www.youngarts.org/apply. The application process closes on October 19, 2012. If students have any questions, they can reach programming staff at (305) 377-1140 or apply@youngarts.org. Teachers and high schools may request application promotional materials at apply@youngarts.org or may download information at www.youngarts.org/educators.

About YoungArts

YoungArts is the core program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA). The organization’s mission is to identify emerging artists, provide educational enrichment and assistance in their pursuit of the arts, and to raise the appreciation for and support of the arts in American society. Dedicated to inspiring and nurturing young artists, YoungArts was founded in 1981 by businessman and visionary, the late Ted Arison, and his wife Lin. The program identifies the next generation of emerging artists and contributes to the cultural vitality of the nation by investing in the artistic development of thousands of gifted artists in nine disciplines in the visual, literary and performing arts. At the request of The Commission on Presidential Scholars, which is appointed by the President of the United States, YoungArts is the exclusive path to the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts.

The YoungArts program has honored more than 16,000 young artists with more than $6 million in monetary awards and facilitated in excess of $100 million in college scholarship opportunities. Alumni go on to become leading professionals in their fields. Alumni include actresses Vanessa Williams and Kerry Washington, four-time Tony Award nominee Raúl Esparza, Executive Director of American Ballet Theatre Rachel Moore, recording artists Nicki Minaj and Chris Young, musician Jennifer Koh, choreographer Desmond Richardson, and internationally acclaimed multimedia artist Doug Aitken.

For more information about YoungArts, visit www.youngarts.org.

Contact:

Rebecca M. Gentry Vice President of External Relations (305) 377-1140 x1300 rebeccag@youngarts.org