2008-04-29 23:46:11 -
www.youngARTS.org - For National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts The Treister Murry Agency Lisa Treister/Emily Treister, 305-531-5720 lisa@tma-pr.com emily@tma-pr.com Calling all aspiring writers, photographers, dancers, visual artists, musicians or other talented individuals with a passion for the arts: registration is now open for the 2009 youngARTS(TM) Awards, one of the most prestigious
and respected arts awards and scholarships initiatives for high school seniors in the country.
As the core program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA), youngARTS(TM) recognizes and rewards exceptional student artists from across the U.S. in each of nine fields: dance, cinematic arts, jazz, music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice and writing. High school seniors in the 2008-2009 school year or graduates who will be 17 or 18-years-old on December 1, 2008 are encouraged to apply for individual cash awards of up to $10,000 and the chance to be named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts.
The early registration deadline for youngARTS 2009 is June 16, 2008; the fee is $25 per discipline. After June 16, the fee is $35. Applicants from New York City receive a reduced fee based upon residency in the five boroughs. Student information submitted by the early deadline will be shared, with permission, to a broad network of colleges, universities and conservatories that very often award arts scholarships based upon an entry to youngARTS. Additional fee waivers are available. Registration closes October 1, 2008, with all audition/portfolio materials received at NFAA, 444 Brickell Avenue, P-14, Miami, FL 33131 by November 3, 2008.
"As an artist who discovered her passion at a young age, I know how important emotional and financial support is at this early stage," said NFAA President and CEO Christina DePaul. "I encourage every eligible student who dreams of a life in the arts to learn more about our arts awards programs."
Of nearly 8,000 registrants each year, NFAA invites up to 150 finalists to participate in youngARTS Week, a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Miami consisting of performances, master classes, workshops, readings, exhibits and enrichment activities with renowned artists and arts educators. Every student receives a cash award, ranging from the coveted $10,000 Gold and $5,000 Silver Awards to five more levels of awards ($250 - $3,000). In addition, at the exclusive request of The Commission on Presidential Scholars, NFAA nominates up to 60 youngARTS finalists for consideration to be named as Presidential Scholars in the Arts.
NFAA was established in 1981 by Carnival Cruise Lines founder Ted Arison and his wife, Lin, to identify uniquely gifted young artists and assist them both financially and educationally. Its roster of alumni reads like a "Who's Who" in the arts, and includes such luminaries as actress and recording artist Vanessa Williams, recent Nashville Star winner Chris Young, dancer/choreographer Desmond Richardson, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater principals Matthew Rushing and Linda Celeste Sims, Warner Brothers recording artist Josh Groban, classical voice diva Denyce Graves, New York Philharmonic guest solo violinist Jennifer Koh, jazz trumpet player Roy Hargrove, Broadway actor Raul Esparza, National Book Award nominee Allegra Goodman, photographer Lauren Greenfield, and visual artist Doug Aitken.
For more information about the NFAA youngARTS program, please call 1-800-970-ARTS (2787) or visit www.ArtsAwards.org.
¶ Seeking Talented 17 and 18-year-old Students in Nine Arts
Disciplines for Cash Awards Of Up to $10,000 and Chance to be Named
Presidential Scholar
