Established in 1981 by Lin and Ted Arison, YoungArts identifies exceptional young artists, amplifies their potential, and invests in their lifelong creative freedom. YoungArts provides space, funding, mentorship, professional development and community throughout artists’ careers. Entrance into this prestigious organization starts with a highly competitive application for talented artists ages 15–18, or grades 10–12, in the United States that is judged by esteemed discipline-specific panels of artists through a rigorous blind adjudication process.

Congratulations to the three ASFA students selected this year:

• Zaida Ross, Visual Arts Senior,  Merit Award Visual Arts

• Atticus Hill, Creative Writing Senior, Honorable Mention Writing/Spoken Word 

• Merritt Crumpton, Visual Arts Senior, Finalist Visual Arts

YoungArts award winners at the Finalist level are invited to participate in National YoungArts Week featuring classes, workshops and mentorship from leading artists in their fields as well as performances and an exhibition for the public. Finalists are also eligible to be nominated to become U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, one of the highest honors given to high school seniors, bestowed by the President of the United States.

All award winners—including Finalist, Merit and Honorable Mention award levels—receive mentorship and financial awards; gain access to a lifetime of creative, professional development and funding opportunities; and become part of an uplifting, intergenerational community that helps artists connect, create and collaborate.