I honestly can't believe I'm writing this right now. As of last week, I am officially a winner of the YoungArts awards!
This is the third year I've applied to YoungArts for an award in writing, and I was recognized at the Merit level, the organization’s third highest honor, joining 659 of the nation’s most accomplished artists in the visual, literary, and performing arts. As a winner of YoungArts, I've gained access to one of the most comprehensive programs for artists in the United States, which gives me more opportunity for financial, creative and professional development support throughout my entire career. A complete list of the 2021 winners, all 15–18 years old or in grades 10–12, is available online at youngarts.org/winners.
“YoungArts empowers artists to pursue a life in the arts beginning at the critical time when many are faced with decisions about life after high school and we are thrilled to announce this year’s YoungArts award winners. This group of extraordinary artists has reminded us yet again that extraordinary artistry is ageless, and I encourage everyone to get to know these faces and names as we will be seeing them for many years to come,” said Executive Director Jewel Malone. “To all of this year’s winners, congratulations! This is just the start of YoungArts’ commitment to supporting your careers, we look forward to working to with you and supporting your artistic and professional development.”
In addition to a modest cash prize, I will receive the opportunity to learn from leading artists such as Debbie Allen, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Frank Gehry, Wynton Marsalis, Salman Rushdie and Mickalene Thomas. I am now also eligible for exclusive creative and professional development support including a wide range of fellowships, residencies and awards; virtual and in-person presentation opportunities in collaboration with major venues nationwide; additional financial support; and access to YoungArts Post, a free, private digital network for YoungArts artists to connect, collaborate and learn about additional opportunities.
As a YoungArts award winner, I've joined a distinguished group of accomplished artists including Daniel Arsham, Terence Blanchard, Camille A. Brown, Viola Davis, Allegra Goodman, Josh Groban, Judith Hill, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Andrew Rannells, Desmond Richardson, and Hunter Schafer---and I am mighty proud of that.
One last thing (since I'm sure you're all wondering)--what story won the award?
Penny for a Finger, written as my application story for the ALPHA workshop for Fantasy, Science-Fiction, and Horror writers. And you can read it HERE.
Thank you to everyone who helped me with this journey--I couldn't have done it without you.
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