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Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program

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Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program — Access/VSA International Network
Details
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  • Who Can Apply: Visual artists aged 16–25 on November 19, 2026 who have a disability as defined by the ADA, live in the United States (including DC, Puerto Rico and US territories) and have the right to work in the US. Applicants must be willing to disclose their disability publicly. Previous Emerging Young Artists award winners are not eligible.
  • The Focus: Juried career-development program and exhibition on the 2027 theme "Thrive": how disabled artists' life and art are flourishing. All visual art forms and media are eligible.
  • The Funding: $3,000 stipend to each of 15 winners, one work exhibited in Washington, D.C., and all-expenses-paid career development workshops in D.C. (June 14–18, 2027). The stipend depends on completing all required activities. No entry fee.
  • Key Requirements: Apply on CaFÉ with images or videos of at least three different works (maximum five). Answer four questions of 300 words each. Works must have been completed in the last 3 years and after the onset of disability. 2D works may not exceed 60 inches in height or width 3D works may not exceed 48 inches in any direction when packed. No generative-AI artwork.
DeadlineThursday, November 19, 2026
Award$3,000 financial stipend to each of 15 winning artists, plus exhibition of one submitted work in Washington, D.C. and all-expenses-paid career development workshops in D.C. (June 14–18, 2027). The stipend is paid only after completing all required professional development activities.
Application fee$0
Locationnational
ParticipationHybrid
Career stagesStudent, Emerging
Age range16–25
Application notesApply on CaFÉ (no entry fee) by November 19, 2026. Submit images or videos of 3–5 different works (not several views of one work) and answer four questions of 300 words each. Accommodation or alternate-format requests must reach the program by October 30, 2026. Winners are notified by January 13, 2027. Selected applicants will be asked for proof of disability, age (government ID) and US right to work before the final round. Questions: vsainfo@kennedy-center.org, 202-416-8898. Post-selection obligations: If selected, applicants must provide proof of disability, age and US right to work.
Contactvsainfo@kennedy-center.org
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Access/VSA International Network