Detour - VSA Emerging Young Artists Program

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 challenges artists to embrace life's detours, to seize and explore those spontaneous forays off the beaten path. Artists are asked to consider what's possible and to celebrate the marvelous and unexpected.

Fifteen winning artists will share a total of $60,000 in awards: Grand Prize is $20,000, First Prize is $10,000, Second Prize is $6,000, and the remaining Awards of Excellence are $2,000 each. Winning artwork will be exhibited in a year-long, nationally touring exhibition, and artists will attend an all-expenses-paid professional development workshop in Washington, DC. The application deadline is May 31, 2018, and winners will be announced by July 31, 2018.

Eligibility: Artist must be between ages 16-25 on May 31, 2018, 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 are eligible, including painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, folk arts, photography, textile, video, and graphic and digital arts. Artwork must be able to withstand handling, storage, and transportation for a year-long national tour. 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. Applicants must be the sole creator and owner of all artwork submitted. Submit 1-6 images, 0-6 audio files, and 0-6 video files (maximum 6 total samples). For accommodations or alternate format materials, contact Anne-Marie Walsh at [email protected] at least two weeks prior to the submission deadline.