By Tanesha F. | Project Leader
During times like these, staying connected—while staying apart—is becoming increasingly important. We need our communities, our peers and our networks to help us navigate this unprecedented situation, to be a sounding board and to share their support. Art and artists are essential to our well-being and shape how we all experience the world.
Although we are working remotely, everyone here at National YoungArts Foundation is available and remains absolutely committed to supporting artists across the country, while protecting their health and safety and that of our audiences, partners and staff. The creativity and strength of our artists inspire us each and every day. We are working hard on initiatives, resources and digital solutions to connect, create, and collaborate.
Now more than ever, the creativity and collaboration of our alumni and mentors continue to inspire us daily, and here are some highlights and happenings that are sure to inspire you as well.
YoungArts at Conrad’s | May 7, 2020
On May 7th, YoungArts hosted YoungArts at Conrad’s, a virtual edition of our quarterly YoungArts at Ted’s performance series, which featured acclaimed pianist and composer Conrad Tao (2011 YoungArts Winner in Classical Music & U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts). Dubbed a musician of “probing intellect and open-hearted vision” by The New York Times, Tao presented a unique and compelling live show. The one-night-only event explored and expanded livestreaming as a medium through the experimental use of equipment, acoustic and electroacoustic elements, and beautifully gripping improvisations with music by Todd Moellenberg, Dan Thorpe, Ruth Crawford Seeger, Federico Mompou and Brahms, among others.
YoungArts Micorgrants: Artist Emergency Relief Fund
To support YoungArts alumni who are experiencing loss of income due to the cancellation of scheduled professional engagements or unexpected expenses related to COVID-19, YoungArts has launched an alumni emergency microgrant. YoungArts Alumni Emergency Microgrants are unrestricted $1,000 grants that will be distributed in three cycles over the next three months, from April through June 2020. Applications will be selected using a lottery system, with the goal of awarding more than 80 emergency microgrants each cycle. For questions about the application and eligibility, visit our FAQ.
Alone Together: Artist Talk with Jennifer Koh and Andrew Norman | May 15, 2020 3:00PM EST / 12:00 PM PST
Acclaimed violinist Jennifer Koh (1994 YoungArts Winner in Classical Music & U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts) recently launched Alone Together, a commissioning project and performance series, as an artistic response to the coronavirus pandemic and the financial hardship it has placed on many in the music community. Join YoungArts on Friday, May 15 for a conversation with Koh and composer, educator and advocate Andrew Norman (1998 YoungArts Winner in Classical Music). Together, they will discuss how this initiative is supporting freelance composers, offer advice for emerging artists, and share stories about their creative practices. This event will be hosted on Instagram Live at @youngarts.
Alone Together: Performance by Jennifer Koh | May 16, 2020 7:00 PM EST / 4:00 PM PST
Acclaimed violinist Jennifer Koh (1994 YoungArts Winner in Classical Music & U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts) recently launched Alone Together, a commissioning project and performance series, as an artistic response to the coronavirus pandemic and the financial hardship it has placed on many in the music community. Join YoungArts on Friday, May 15 for a conversation with Koh and composer, educator and advocate Andrew Norman (1998 YoungArts Winner in Classical Music). Together, they will discuss how this initiative is supporting freelance composers, offer advice for emerging artists, and share stories about their creative practices. Norman and Koh’s collaboration for Alone Together will premiere the following evening on Saturday, May 16.
Primetime A Virtual Exhibition | May 21, 2020 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Join us for the opening of Primetime: A Virtual Photography Exhibition featuring the works of 11 YoungArts alumni. Follow curator Luisa Múnera on a virtual tour of the exhibition and meet the artists for a Q&A on May 21 at 1 PM ET on youngarts.org.
2021 Applications Open | June 2, 2020
Are you a 15- to 18-year-old visual, literary or performing artist? Now's your chance to apply to YoungArts' national arts competition. Accepting applications in Classical Music, Dance, Design Arts, Film, Jazz, Theater, Photography, Visual Arts, Voice and Writing.
YoungArts’ signature program is an application-based award for emerging artists ages 15–18 or in grades 10–12 from across the United States. Selected through a blind adjudication process conducted by an independent panel of highly accomplished artists, YoungArts winners receive valuable support, including financial awards of up to $10,000, professional development and educational experiences working with renowned mentors, and performance and exhibition opportunities at some of the nation’s leading cultural institutions. Joining a 20,000-strong alumni community, they receive creative and professional development opportunities and connect with an extraordinarily rich network of peers.
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