ARE YOU A CREATOR? A DREAMER? A PERFORMER? A VISUAL THINKER?

NEXT: New York is for YOU.

Next: New York is a statewide Festival and competition that provides a platform where students can present their most powerful work and be discovered by industry leaders.

Built as the arts equivalent of high school athletics championships, Next: New York spotlights excellence across visual art, fashion, music, theater, dance and film, while giving students real-world exposure, mentorship, and the support they need to thrive.

We believe young artists deserve the same resources, recognition, and investment as young athletes. Next: New York is how we level the playing field.

What We’re Looking for

We’re looking for the next generation of visionary artists across New York State. This is your chance to submit your original project in one of our featured disciplines:

Theater

Filmmaking

Fine Art

Fashion

Music/Spoken Word

Dance

Winning students receive cash and equipment prizes, mentorship from top professionals, and a chance to perform or display their work at the Next New York Showcase.

Eligibility

  • Students must be currently enrolled in a NYS middle school, high school or college (ages 11–25)

  • Must submit original work

  • You may apply individually or as a team (up to 5 members per team)

Event Location & Dates

June 18th - July 18th 2026

Location: Yonkers Arts

216 Lake Ave, Yonkers, NY, 1070

HOW YOU’LL BE JUDGED

BOLD (Originality)

  • How unique is your idea?

  • Are you doing something different from everyone else?

  • Does your work feel fresh, creative, and unexpected?

We want YOUR voice, not a copy of someone else’s.

ART (Artistic Integrity & Skill)

  • How well did you execute the work?

  • Does it show skill, technique, and effort?

  • Are you pushing your craft, whatever your medium?

This is about your dedication to getting better and mastering what you do.

SOCIETY (Your Message to the World)

  • What is your piece saying?

  • Does it connect to your community, identity, or a larger idea?

  • Does it make people think, feel, or understand something in a new way?

Great art doesn’t just look good... it says something.

WHAT YOU CAN WIN

Prizes

  • Money for your next creative project

  • Creative equipment and tools

  • Featured placement in our official documentary

  • Trophy for being the top young artist in the state!

Mentorship Opportunities

  • Mentorship from professional artists

  • Studio and production company tours

  • Shadowing experiences

  • Workshops & masterclasses

NEXT: New York Application

Submission Deadline: Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST