Connected: VSA Emerging Young Artists 2019

The VSA Emerging Young Artists Program, a Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program, recognizes and showcases the work of emerging young artists with disabilities, ages 16-25, residing in the United States. This call for art asks artists to submit work that resonates deeply around the theme "Connected." Artists are encouraged to explore when connection or disconnection is most needed, what roads lead there, and how overlapping stories and interconnected ideas can create important new discoveries.

Fifteen winning artists will be selected by jury. Awards include a Grand Prize of $20,000, First Prize of $10,000, Second Prize of $6,000, and Awards of Excellence of $2,000 each. Winning artworks will be selected to travel in a yearlong national exhibition. Winning artists are required to attend an all-expenses-paid professional development workshop at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in October 2019.

Eligibility: Artists must be between ages 16-25 on June 5, 2019, reside in the United States, and have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Submitted artwork must be completed within the last 3 years and after the onset of disability. All art forms and media are eligible. Work samples should include 3-6 images, with up to 6 audio or video files. 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. Artwork must be able to withstand handling, storage, and transportation for a year-long national tour. Previous program award winners are not eligible. Winning artists will be notified by August 1, 2019. For accommodations or alternate format materials, contact Katharine Mead at [email protected] at least two weeks prior to the entry deadline.