2026 Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program: We Hold These Truths

About the Open Call

This call for art asks artists to explore how the truths that they hold dear engage with their disability and artistic identities. The Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program, a Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program, showcases the work of visual artists with disabilities, ages 16-25, who reside in the United States. The program offers generous support for the exhibition and national tour provided by Coca-Cola. Fifteen winning artists are selected by a jury. Each winning artist receives a $3,000 financial stipend and has one of their submitted pieces selected for a national tour that starts at the Kennedy Center. Winning artists are required to attend virtual workshops (January 31, February 14, February 28) and an all-expenses-paid series of professional development workshops at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. March 10-14, 2026.

What is Offered

Fifteen winning artists receive a $3,000 financial stipend and have one of their submitted pieces selected for a national tour that starts at the Kennedy Center. Winning artists are required to attend virtual workshops and an all-expenses-paid series of professional development workshops at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Requirements

Eligibility: Artist must be between the ages of 16 and 25 on November 16, 2025 at 11:59 pm Mountain Time (MT). Artist must reside in the United States (including 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Northern Marianas Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and U.S. Virgin Islands) and have the right to work in the United States. Artist must have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and be comfortable publicly identifying as an artist with a disability. Artist must be available to participate in virtual activities (January 31, February 14, February 28) and in-person in Washington, D.C. March 10-14, 2026. Selected applicants will submit documents proving eligibility (Proof of Disability, Proof of Age, Proof of US Residence and Right to Work) prior to advancing. Other Requirements: Submitted artwork must be completed within the last 3 years, and after the onset of disability. Previous Emerging Young Artist Program award winners are not eligible. Submitted artwork must be able to withstand handling, storage, and transportation. Perishable materials will not be considered. 2-Dimensional artwork cannot exceed 60 inches in height or width. 3-Dimensional artwork cannot exceed 48 inches in any direction when packed for shipping. All visual art forms and media are eligible if adhering to listed requirements. Applicant must be the sole creator and owner of all artwork submitted; group projects and work suggesting visual plagiarism will not be considered. Winning artists must participate in the entirety of the professional development activities to receive their financial stipend. Artists must submit images of multiple works of art rather than multiple views of a single work of art.

How to Apply

The application deadline is November 16, 2025. Winning artists will be notified by January 9, 2026. Artwork will be judged by a panel of experts looking for artwork that demonstrates a high level of skill, expresses original ideas, and reflects the _We Hold These Truths_ theme. To request an accommodation or receive application materials in an alternate format, contact Wynsor Taylor, WRTaylor@kennedy-center.org no later than October 31, 2025. Application Requirements: Artist must submit images or videos of at least three different pieces. Artist must answer all application questions within the word count limits provided, including: Tell us about yourself (300 words), Tell us about your art (300 words), What unique perspective would you bring to the group? (300 words), What are your future plans? How would this program help you achieve your goals? (300 words).