2027 Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program: Thrive

The Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program showcases visual artists with disabilities, ages 16–25, residing in the United States. The theme, Thrive, asks artists to explore how their lives and art are flourishing, evolving, and growing. Fifteen winning artists each receive a $3,000 financial stipend and have one submitted piece included in an exhibition in Washington, D.C. Winners also participate in required virtual workshops and all-expenses-paid career development workshops in Washington, D.C., June 14–18, 2027.

Thrive: how disabled artists' lives and art are flourishing, evolving, developing, and growing.

Applicants must be visual artists between ages 16 and 25 on November 19, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. They must reside in the United States and have the right to work; eligible locations include the 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Northern Marianas Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and U.S. Virgin Islands. Applicants must have a documented disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and be willing to publicly disclose their disability in all program materials and associated public appearances. Submit application forms, artwork/portfolio, proof of disability, proof of age, and proof of US right to work. Submit images or videos of at least three different pieces. Answer each of four application questions within its 300-word limit: tell us about yourself; describe your art, artistic process, and how/why you create; explain the unique perspective you would bring to the group; and describe your future plans and how the program would help achieve your goals. Winners must participate in virtual workshops on April 3, May 1, and June 5, and in-person activities in Washington, D.C., June 14–18, 2027. Fifteen winning artists each receive a $3,000 financial stipend and inclusion of one submitted piece in a Washington, D.C. exhibit. The in-person career development workshops are all-expenses-paid. There are no application, participation, or additional fees.