Electrify! VSA Emerging Young Artists Program 2017

The Kennedy Center and Volkswagen Group of America present the VSA Emerging Young Artists Program, a Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program recognizing and showcasing work by emerging young artists with disabilities, ages 16-25, residing in the United States.

The 2017 theme is "Electrify!" seeking artwork charged with ideas that acts as a conduit for creative reflection on the past, explores the present, and invokes a future full of possibility and inclusivity. Fifteen winning artists will share $60,000 in awards: Grand Prize $20,000, First Prize $10,000, Second Prize $6,000, and Awards of Excellence $2,000 each. Winners will exhibit their artwork in a year-long nationally touring exhibition and attend an all-expenses-paid professional development workshop in Washington, DC.

Eligibility: Artists must be 16-25 years old on May 3, 2017, reside in the United States, and have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Artwork must be completed within the last 3 years and after the onset of disability. All art forms are eligible including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, textile, video, and digital. Two-dimensional artwork cannot exceed 60 inches in height or width; three-dimensional artwork cannot exceed 48 inches in any direction when packed for shipping. Applicants must be the sole creator and owner of submitted work. Previous program award winners are not eligible. Work samples may include 1-4 images, 0-4 audio files, and 0-4 video files (minimum 1 total sample required). Winners will be announced in mid-June 2017. For accommodations or alternate format materials, contact Anne-Marie Walsh at [email protected] at least two weeks prior to the submission deadline.