2025 Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program: Catalyst

The Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program, 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. This year's theme is Catalyst, which asks artists to explore how their art interacts with their disability identity to spark something new.

Fifteen winning artists will be selected by a jury of experts. Each winning artist receives a $3,000 award and has one submitted piece selected for exhibition at the Kennedy Center. Winners are required to participate in virtual workshops on May 3, May 17, and June 14, followed by an all-expenses-paid series of professional development workshops at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. from June 17-21, 2025.

Eligibility: Artists must be between 16-25 years old on February 28, 2025; reside in the United States (including territories); have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and be comfortable publicly identifying as an artist with a disability; and be available for both virtual and in-person participation. Submitted artwork must be completed within the last 3 years and after the onset of disability. Artists must submit images or videos of at least three different pieces (3-5 total samples). 2-Dimensional artwork cannot exceed 60 inches in height or width; 3-Dimensional artwork cannot exceed 48 inches in any direction when packed. All visual art forms and media are eligible. Applicants must answer four essay questions (300 words each). The application deadline is February 28, 2025, and winning artists will be notified by April 11, 2025. For accommodation requests or alternate format materials, contact Wynsor Taylor at [email protected] no later than February 14, 2025.