VSA Emerging Young Artists Program

The VSA Emerging Young Artists Program, a Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program administered by The Kennedy Center, invites U.S. visual artists with disabilities aged 16‑25 to submit work for a national juried exhibition. Fifteen artists are selected to receive a $3,000 financial stipend, participate in professional development activities at the Kennedy Center, and have their artwork featured in a touring exhibition across the United States. Applications are open to U.S. residents with a disability, and the program runs annually, with the 2026 deadline on November 16, 2026.

Professional development activities at the Kennedy Center

Artist must be between the ages of 16 and 25 on February 28, 2025 at 11:59 pm Mountain Time (MT). Artist must reside in the United States. Artist must have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Artist must be comfortable publicly identifying as an artist with a disability.