2020 YoungArts winner in film Kai Tomizawa is among the group of young artists to benefit from the national program. (photo by Jason Koerner)

The National YoungArts Foundation will be supporting YoungArts award winners with new professional development opportunities starting in January. YoungArts’ offerings will focus on four key areas: free virtual programming for artists and audiences, creative development and presentation opportunities, community support, engagement and networking, and financial awards.

“We are thrilled to be able to continue and build upon our support for early career artists across all disciplines. The tools that we provide our award winners at every level will not only help them to thrive artistically, but also enrich their connections within the community,” YoungArts Executive Director Jewel Malone said.

Programming will kick off on Jan. 3 with National YoungArts Week. YoungArts award winners at the finalist level, the organization’s highest level, will have the opportunity to participate in a week-long virtual program of workshops and panels. Opportunities include interdisciplinary collaboration, project-based assignments and classes with renowned guest artists who will provide insight, coaching and mentorship throughout the week.

Guest artists for National YoungArts Week include Grammy Award-winning vocalist and songwriter Lisa Fischer, Grammy Award-winning film composer Nora Kroll Rosenbaum and Grammy award-winning audio engineer Patrick Smith.

 Following the intensive program, audiences across the country will have the opportunity to meet the next generation of artists beginning Monday, Jan. 25, at 5 p.m. through six nights of free virtual public performances, writers’ readings and an exhibition. There will also be a digital anthology and catalogue available on youngarts.org.

Throughout the week, YoungArts will screen “Together, a short film,” a new animated film commissioned to help raise funds to support artists across the country. Bringing together artwork contributions from YoungArts award winners and notable guest artists, the celebratory film will include hundreds of one-of-a-kind digital frames that will be available for purchase to support YoungArts.

Following National YoungArts Week, 60 YoungArts finalists will be nominated by YoungArts to become a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts.

For more information, visit youngarts.org.