Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Tips for 2025 Applications
Artists with disabilities are invited to submit artwork that demonstrates excellence and their individual perspectives from the experience of disability. Artists must be ages 16-25 and reside in the United States. Applications for the 2025 program are now open. The 2025 theme is Catalyst. We ask artists to explore how their artistic identity interacts with their disability identity to spark something new.
Applications for the 2025 program are due by February 28, 2025. Apply now!
Q & A
Below are questions asked by participants during the webinar as well as frequently asked questions about the program and the application process. If you have additional questions, you may email us anytime at [email protected].
First, how do you define disability?
We use the Americans with Disabilities Act as our guide for the definition of disability. Disability is a broad umbrella and that covers a variety of lived experiences. Eligible authors may have apparent, physical and or sensory conditions, as well as less apparent conditions like anxiety, ADHD, depression, chronic illness or pain, PTSD, OCD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, neurodivergence and more. Learn more about the ADA's definition of disability at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/faqs/americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments#Q5.
Do I have to create new artwork for this call?
No, if you want to use this as an inspiration point to create something new, that's awesome! We'll accept it. If you have existing work that you think represents your current artistic aesthetic, that's also awesome. Just make sure that the work has been:
- completed in the last three years
- completed after the onset of your disability
- fits our exhibition size limits
- does not include any prohibited items
Can I submit three photos of one piece?
The short answer is you must submit three different pieces. That said, the portal will allow you to submit up to five media files. So let's say that you had something like a sculpture or a jewelry piece that looks very different from different angles. You could use two of your five media files to demonstrate those two different viewing angles of the same piece, as long as you also include images of at least two other pieces.
What are the professional development workshops about?
Great question! These workshops are NOT focused on art making. We figure you've got that part down. Instead, these workshops focus on building skills that disabled artists need to have a successful career. This could include things like professional writing, financial literacy, especially when it comes to ABLE accounts and SSI and SSDI. We cover how to market yourself and your work and what artists need to know about artificial intelligence and US copyright. Those are just some of the examples.
When will I know if I got in?
We will let everyone know the status of their application by Friday, April 11, 2025.
I support a young adult with a moderate intellectual disability who requires support in applying, but she's very interested in EYA. Is there anything to consider in terms of her support and what we can do to help her in the application process?
You are welcome to help that person complete the application process itself. If there is a different format that you think would be helpful for you to use while you are assisting this individual, contact us and we can provide that for you. For instance, if it would be helpful to have a printed copy of all of the questions that she may be asked so that you can review those together ahead of time, we're happy to provide that. Similarly, if you come across any other questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our program director Wynsor Taylor at [email protected] or 202-416-8026. We're here to help through the entire process!
I work in multiple media. Can I submit a variety of pieces in my portfolio? For example, a painting, a piece of photography, and a sculpture?
Absolutely, yes! We want your portfolio of work to represent who you are as an artist. So if who you are as an artist is a person who works in multiple forms, show us that. That said, if that's not who you are, don't feel like you have to show us that variety. Show us the variety in your photography or your painting or your drawing or your jewelry making. Show us what it is that is your art and makes you unique. Make sure your portfolio is reflective of the work that you're currently doing and where you hope it will go in the future.
I have multiple disabilities. Can I select more than one category on the application?
Yes, you may. The application will allow you to select multiple disability identities, and again, if there's ever a question or concern and you're not sure what category it fits, you can always use that “please provide more information” option and self-describe in the space that is provided.
I'm not sure which pieces to include in my portfolio. Do you have any advice?
I think your portfolio tells the story of who you are as an artist. What our adjudicators want to see is what your artistic aesthetic looks like and where it's going. Artists change and evolve over time, and as you are thinking about what you want your career to look like, you may not be able to fully guess where you're going to be in 10 or 15 years, but you can tell us how your artwork is evolving now. Show us the work that you're most proud of! I would say if you don't know where to start, think back over the last, you know, couple years, and what was a piece that really made you happy, that you were happy to share with other people, that you wanted as many people to see and experience? That's a really great starting point, because there's a story there, and that probably is a piece that feels authentic to you. The other thing I would encourage you to consider is that this portfolio, if you're selected to be part of the cohort, the piece that will be part of the exhibit at the Kennedy Center this summer will be one of these pieces that you put in your portfolio. So you can also think about it that way. How would you want yourself to be introduced to the arts community and to the arts world? What's a piece that you think really embodies the story of you as an artist?
I can't afford to travel to DC in June. Do you provide financial support?
Yes, absolutely. The program covers your travel to and from DC for program activities, and if your particular disability identity requires a personal care assistant as part of your access needs, there are funds available to pay for the travel of that personal care assistant as well.