32nd Young Artists Debut! – Apply by 1/24/2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Age restrictions: Artists ages 10 to 18

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

We are seeking exceptional ensembles of three or more to apply for our Young Artists Debut! Program. The program has been updated to focus on young artists performing with other young artists. (Note: Artists may apply in multiple categories. Full applications and fees apply. Soloists may apply under the Performing Artist unaccompanied as a soloist exactly as they would perform on 4/24/2026!)

Ideal performing artists possess:

• Extraordinary talent, skill, and musicality.

• The temperament, comfort, ability, and desire to speak publicly, perform, 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.

• All ensembles are encouraged to apply!

Repertoire requirements:

• Music ideally in the public domain, readily available for rental or purchase, 4 to 8 minutes. (If not in the public domain, there will be no recording of the performance due to copyright.)

• A minimum of a duo of performers.

• The piece must not be performed publicly until after the Young Artists Debut! Concert & Showcase on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

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

• Earn the prestige of becoming a Young Artist Debut! Winner and receive a $100 honorarium.

• Are eligible to receive the first Deveney “Zorro” Award and $1,000 to further artistic endeavors. 

• Will participate in arts-centric educational mentoring sessions with YAD! judges, brainstorming sessions with other winning artists, and having their artistry professionally photographed and recorded.

• Will participate in the Young Artists Debut! Concert & Showcase at The Reser on Wednesday, May 21, 2025..

All who apply receive:

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 – Week of March 3, 2025, in NE Portland.

• Young Artists Debut! – Friday, April 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at The Reser. (You will need to take the day off school.)

• Up to four other floating dates between February 1, 2026, and Friday, April 24, 2026.

Communication & Marketing:

An important educational part of the Young Artists Debut! program is

professionalism and marketing of art!. That said, it means nothing if you do not have an audience to enjoy your art.

Participants must be accountable, respectful, punctual and fully committed to the success of the concert. Each Young Artist will be required to sell and fill at least 20 tickets to the YAD. There will be a special prize for the artist fills the most seats to the YAD! on April 24, 2026 at The Reser!

Social Media Posts - Artists must create social media promo videos that will be posted on @cognizartbymetroartsinc Instagram and Facebook accounts. Additionally, those posts need to be shared to your personal accounts as well.

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on January 24, 2026. We encourage applying early! All steps MUST be completed for consideration:

Complete and submit the application form below and pay your nonrefundable $75 application fee below. If your family receives SNAP or WIC benefits, email an image of your determination letter to shannon@cognizart.org to receive a waiver.

Your YouTube Performance Link:*

• Introduce yourselves at the beginning of the recording. State your names and ages and how long you have worked on your craft. This can be done separately from your performance and spliced together with your performance. The performance must be done in one take. **All ensemble members should submit the same YouTube link with their applications.**

• The file must be in .mp3 or .wav format only. (Paste the link in the appropriate application field below.)

Artists will be notified of their standing in the competition by January 29, 2026. 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 Cognizart at (503) 482-9322.