Bold Art Society Presents

Next: New York

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 invite educators, program directors, and school administrators to nominate students for the Next New York Art Competition at Yonkers Arts. We’re looking for the next generation of visionary artists across New York State in one of our featured disciplines:

Theater

Filmmaking

Fine Art

Fashion

Music/Spoken Word

Photography

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 or high school (ages 11–18)

  • Must submit / be original work

  • Must be nominated by an educator, program director, and/or school administrator.

Event Location & Dates

Competition Location: 216 Lake Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701

Submission Deadline: June 12th, 2026

Festival & Competition: June 26th - July 18th , 2026

HOW students are JUDGED

BOLD (Originality)

  • How unique is the idea?

  • Are they doing something different from everyone else?

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

    WE WANT STUDENT VOICE!

ART (Artistic Integrity & Skill)

  • How well did they execute the work?

  • Does it show skill, technique, and effort?

  • Are are pushing their craft?

    This is about student dedication to getting better and mastering what they do

SOCIETY (The Message to the World)

  • What is the piece saying?

  • Does it connect to their 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 students CAN WIN

STUDENT Prizes

  • Funding for creative projects

  • Creative equipment & tools

  • Featured placement in our documentary

  • Trophy for top young artist in the state

Mentorship Opportunities

  • Mentorship from professional artists

  • Studio & production company tours

  • Shadowing experiences

  • Workshops & masterclasses

NOMINATE YOUR STUDENTS

Each school or organization may nominate up to four students. Nominations are submitted online — access the nomination form below. You will be asked to provide each student's name, art discipline, and contact information.

NEXT: New York

NOMINATION Application

Submission Deadline: Friday, JUNE 12th, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST