Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program
Deadline
November 16, 2025
18 days left
Application Fee
FREE
Rewards
Multiple Rewards
Interest
High
234 views today
About This Opportunity
**_We Hold These Truths_ Theme**
This call for art asks artists to explore how the truths that they hold dear engage with their disability and artistic identities.
**About Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program**
The [**Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program**](https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/opportunities-for-artists/competitions-and-commissions/vsa-emerging-young-artists), a Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program, showcases the work of visual artists with disabilities, ages 16-25, who reside in the United States.
The content of this program was developed under grant H421F240164 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this program. The content of this program may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this program does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This program is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency. (EDGAR 75.620)
**Other Requirements**
* Submitted artwork must be completed within the last 3 years, and **after** the onset of disability.
* Previous Emerging Young Artist Program award winners are not eligible to apply.
* Submitted artwork must be able to withstand handling, storage, and transportation to/from Washington, D.C.
* Artwork containing perishable materials, such as food, will not be considered.
* 2-Dimensional artwork **cannot exceed 60 inches in height or width.**
* 3-Dimensional artwork **cannot exceed 48 inches in any direction** when packed for shipping.
* All visual art forms and media are eligible if adhering to the listed requirements.
* Applicant must be the sole creator and owner of all artwork submitted. Group projects will not be considered.
* Work that suggests visual plagiarism, such as direct copy of another artist's work, will not be considered.
* Winning artists must participate in the entirety of the professional development activities: virtually (January 31, February 14, February 28) and in-person in Washington, D.C. March 10-14, 2026 to receive their financial stipend.
Note: Artists must submit images of multiple works of art rather than multiple views of a single work of art. Jurors will be looking at the quality and scope of the submitted portfolio of artwork as a whole.
What You'll Get
Types: FUNDING, EXHIBITION, OTHER
**Awards** Fifteen winning artists are selected by a jury. Each winning artist receives a $3,000 financial stipend and has one of their submitted pieces selected for a national tour that starts at the Kennedy Center. Winning artists are required to attend virtual workshops (January 31, February 14, February 28) and an all-expenses-paid series of professional development workshops at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. March 10-14, 2026.
Application Requirements
- APPLICATION_FORMS
- ARTWORK_PORTFOLIO
- * Artist must **submit images or videos** **of** at least **three different pieces**. * Artist must answer all application questions within the word count limits provided: * Tell us about yourself. What do we need to know about you? (300 words) * Tell us about your art. What is your artistic process? How/why do you create? (300 words) * What unique perspective would you bring to the group? (300 words) * What are your future plans? How would this program help you achieve your goals? (300 words)
Eligibility
Geographic Requirements
US
Other Requirements
* Artist must be between the ages of 16 and 25 on November 16, 2025 at 11:59 pm Mountain Time (MT). * Artist must reside in the United States and have the [**right to work**](https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). (Includes 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Northern Marianas Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and U.S. Virgin Islands.) * Artist must have a disability as defined by the [**Americans with Disabilities Act**](https://adata.org/factsheet/ada-definitions). Artist must be comfortable publicly identifying as an artist with a disability. * Artist must be available to participate in virtual activities (January 31, February 14, February 28) and in-person activities in Washington, D.C. March 10-14, 2026.
The John F. Kennedy Center
Washington, US
Verified Organization
Active since 2020
Ready to take the next step?
Don't miss out on this opportunity. Applications close on November 16, 2025.