VSA Emerging Young Artists Program
Scholarship Sponsored by Kennedy Center
Overview
The Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program — part of the Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program — supports and advances the careers of emerging visual artists with disabilities. Through professional development and career-building opportunities, the program elevates the perspectives and creative work of young artists.
Who should apply
This national, juried exhibition is open to U.S. residents with disabilities who are between the ages of 16 and 25. The call seeks artwork that reflects high artistic quality and meaningful viewpoints from artists working within or engaging with disability.
Awards and benefits
Fifteen selected artists will each receive a $3,000 award. Winners will also take part in professional development experiences at the Kennedy Center and will have one of their submitted pieces included in the exhibition.
2025 theme — Catalyst
The 2025 program theme, Catalyst, invites artists to consider how their creative practice and their disability identity interact to ignite new ideas, transformations, or perspectives.
Funding and disclaimer
This program was developed with support from grant H421F240164 awarded by the U.S. Department of Education. The Department does not prescribe the practices, models, or activities described here, nor does it control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of linked or referenced resources produced by other organizations. The content of this program does not necessarily reflect the Department’s policies or views, and it should not be taken as an endorsement by any federal agency.