VSA Emerging Young Artists Program
Scholarship Sponsored by Kennedy Center
Our programs for artists with disabilities shape the future of the arts. The Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program, a Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program, amplifies the voices of emerging visual artists through career development and professional empowerment.
This national juried exhibition seeks artwork that demonstrates the excellence and important perspectives of artists with disabilities, ages 16-25, residing in the United States. Fifteen artists each receive a $3,000 award, engage in professional development activities at the Kennedy Center, and have one of their submitted works featured in an exhibition.
About the Program
2025: Catalyst
Catalyst asks artists to explore how their art interacts with their disability identity to spark something new.
The contents of this program were developed under grant H421F240164 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this program may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this program does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency.
Go to Scholarship Application