32nd Young Artists Debut! – Apply for the 2026 cycle by 1/16/2026

Age restrictions: Artists ages 8 to 18

Location: 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.

• 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 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! 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!

REQUIRED:

• Each each winner will be responsible for selling and filling at least 20 seats in the audience at the Young Artists Debut! on April 24, 2026. This is a requirement as professional artists must promote their shows and performances. Art is 40% creation and 60% getting other people to see it. The Reser provides a sales report once a week we will provide to winners to ensure they remain on target. Please note: It is important to not only sell tickets, but also fill tickets as The Reser provides a report showing which are scanned at the YAD!. There is a special prize for the top ticket seller and filler!

• Cognizart Staff and YAD! mentors will be in communication with you (or your parents) via text and email. Please respond promptly.

•  You will be asked to record promotional videos, testimonials, progress updates, etc. which will be posted on social media, e-blasts, YouTube, and the website. Enthusiastic participation is required.

• If your parents allow social media, you must Like and Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook so that we can tag you @cognizartbymetroartsinc. We encourage reposting content that directly benefits you and the Young Artists Debut!

•  Be respectful and engaged or you will be removed from the program.

• Winners must promote their participation in the Young Artists Debut! program.

• Winners must attend weekly Zoom meetings from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Tuesdays.

• AVAILABILITY FOR IN-PERSON EVENTS:

  • Photo shoot: Friday, January 23, 2026, Studio in NE Portland

  • Young Artists Debut! Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. rehearsal at The Reser

  • Young Artists Debut! Friday, April 24, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Reser. Includes dress rehearsal through performance. (You will need to take the day off school.)

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

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on January 16, 2026. All steps MUST be completed for consideration:

Complete and submit the application form below and pay the nonrefundable $75 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