31st Young Artists Debut! – Apply for the 2026 cycle by 12/31/2025

Age restrictions: Artists ages 10 to 18

Boundaries: Up to 1 ½ hours from Portland-Metro Area

We are seeking creative visual artists including, but not limited to: ceramists, painters, cartoonists, graphic designers, filmmakers, multimedia artists. (Note: Artists may apply in multiple categories with full applications and applicable fees!)

Ideal visual artists possess:

• Extraordinary talent, creativity, and skill represented in a portfolio of 8-10 pieces or a visual display of 3 to 10 minutes in length.

• The temperament, comfort, ability, and desire to speak publicly, have your work showcased publicly, and collaborate with other artists and mentors.

• Flexibility and enthusiasm to participate in this fun and educational program.

• The commitment to fulfill program requirements and timelines.

If you are selected and fulfill all program requirements, you will:

• Earn the prestigious honor of becoming a Young Artists Debut! Winner and receive an honorarium.

• Be eligible to be the recipient of the Deveney Zorro Award and receive $1,000 to further artistic pursuits!

• Participate in arts-centric educational mentoring sessions with YAD! judges and brainstorming sessions with other winning artists to create an exceptional immersive program.

• Obtain professional artistic guidance to sharpen your portfolio, a professional head shot, the opportunity to collaborate with a community of artists, exposure, and access to professional photos and/or videos of your work as a participant in the Young Artists Debut! Concert & Showcase at The Reser.

All who apply:

• Receive feedback on their application from YAD! judges.

• The opportunity to apply to earn volunteer hours or Intern with Cognizart.

• Gain priority access to Cognizart programs including 360 Arts Camp and The Arts Backstage.

We encourage all young artists to apply and be a part of the Cognizart Community and to be able to participate in many activities and events!

Availability:

Winning artists are required to participate in all events.

• Photo Shoot – The week following selection in NE Portland.

• Young Artists Debut! Concert & Showcase –Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at The Reser. (You will need to take the day off school.)

• Up to six other floating dates between March 3, 2025, and Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

Communication & Marketing:

Cognizart Staff and YAD! mentors will be in communication with you (or your parents) via text and email. Please respond promptly. Be respectful and engaged or you will be removed from the program. Winners must promote their participation in the Young Artists Debut! program. Each each winner will be responsible for filling at least 20 seats in the audience at the Young Artists Debut! Concert & Showcase. You will be asked to record promotional videos to be posted on social media and the website. Enthusiastic participation is expected.

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on February 24, 2025. All steps MUST be completed for consideration:

Complete and submit the application form below and pay the nonrefundable $50 application below. (If you are under 18, you must have your parent or guardian complete the form with you and sign accordingly.) (NOTE: We are offering 50-100% application fee if your family receives SNAP or WIC benefits. Email determination letter to shannon@cognizart.org.) 

Your Introduction and YouTube Portfolio Link:*

• Your Introduction: Introduce yourself, state your name, age, and how long you have worked on your craft. Add any information about what makes you uniquely you.

• Your YouTube Portfolio Link: Take videos of your pieces, showing the pieces and describing the materials used to create them. End with a montage of just the pieces. The portfolio should be 5-10 pieces.  If a visual display (short film, animation, graphic designs, etc.) it should be 3 to 10 minutes (if longer, email laura@metroartsinc.org).

• Paste the links in the appropriate fields below.

  
  

Artists will be notified of their standing in the competition one week after the application deadline. All who apply are considered a part of the Cognizart Community and will be invited to attend Young Artists Debut! events. We appreciate you!

Questions?  Text (503) 482-9322