VSA Emerging Young Artists Program

Our programs for artists with disabilities shape the future of the arts. Since 2002, the Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program, a Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program, amplifies the voices of emerging visual artists through career development and professional empowerment.

This national juried exhibition seeks artwork that demonstrates the excellence and important perspectives of artists with disabilities, ages 16-25, residing in the United States. Fifteen artists each receive a $3,000 financial stipend, engage in professional development activities, and have one of their submitted works featured in an exhibition.

About the Program

2027: Thrive

"Thrive" asks disabled artists to consider how their life and their art are flourishing. As an artist how is your work evolving and changing? As a disabled person, how are you vigorously developing and growing? Show us your thrive!

2026: We Hold These Truths

We Hold These Truths asks disabled artists to explore how the truths that they hold dear engage with their disability and artistic identities.