Joan Morgan News

On Saturday, January 13, 2018, the National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts) will honor Tarell Alvin McCraney - Academy Award-winning playwright, 1999 YoungArts Winner in Theater and YoungArts master teacher - with the 2018 Arison Alumni Award at the organization's annual Backyard Ball on the YoungArts Campus (2100 Biscayne Boulevard).

On Thursday, April 20, 2017, the National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts), along with honorary co-chairs Debbie Allen, Agnes Gund and Sir Salman Rushdie, and gala co-chairs Sarah Arison and Thomas Wilhelm, and Gillian Hearst Simonds and Christian Simonds, welcomed more than 270 of New York's top cultural and community leaders, philanthropists, celebrities and art aficionados to the second annual YoungArts New York Gala.

The National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts)'s 2017 YoungArts New York program will take place from April 25 to 30 and will offer approximately 75 of this year's YoungArts Winners - some of the country's most talented artists ages 15 to 18 years old - life-changing opportunities to learn, connect and collaborate with their peers and renowned artists across disciplines.

The National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts) recently announced details for its 2017 regional programs, including a new long-term institutional partnership with the Center for the Art of Performance at University of California Los Angeles (CAP UCLA) that represents YoungArts' deepening roots in the area, and further expands the organization's resources and reach on the West Coast.

The National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts) today announced details for its 2017 regional programs, including a new long-term institutional partnership with the Center for the Art of Performance at University of California Los Angeles (CAP UCLA) that represents YoungArts' deepening roots in the area, and further expands the organization's resources and reach on the West Coast.

On Saturday, January 14, 2017, the National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts) hosted its annual fundraiser in Miami, theBackyard Ball performance and gala, to help support the artistic development of the nation's most promising young artists. In addition to recognizing the talent of this year's 691 YoungArts Winners, the event honored jazz pianist Jason Moran (1993 Winner in Jazz) with the Arison Alumni Award, and choreographer Jessica Lang as the Arison Award Honoree for their vital contributions and commitment to the arts. The event also featured Javon Jones's acceptance of the inaugural 2016 Max Mara Young Visionary Award presented by Maria Giulia Maramotti, Max Mara's Director of retail for North America. 

The National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts)'s 2016 YoungArts New York program will take place from April 12 to 17 and will offer 2016 YoungArts Winners from the New York area - selected from a record number of 12,000 applications - a rare opportunity to learn, connect and collaborate with fellow peers and creative luminaries across artistic disciplines.

National YoungArts Week will culminate with the organization's largest annual fundraiser, the YoungArts Backyard Ball Performance and Gala, tonight, January 9, presented by MaxMara and emceed by Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor, singer and director, YoungArts Alumnus Billy Porter (1987 Winner in Theater). During the event, YoungArts will honor director and actress Rosie Perez and director Robert Wilson with the Arison Award, as well as performer, Tony Award nominee, YoungArts Master Teacher and 1997 YoungArts Winner in Theater Tony Yazbeck with the Arison Alumni Award, for their outstanding contributions and indelible impact on the arts.

The National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts) today announced its 2016 YoungArts Winners. From more than 12,000 applications-the largest number to date-819 young artists from 42 states have been selected for their outstanding work and accomplishments across the literary, visual, design and performing arts. Winners receive cash awards of up to $10,000, validation by renowned mentors, opportunities to participate in YoungArts programs, a strong professional network, and guidance in taking important steps toward achieving their goals.  A complete list of the 2016 Winners is available online at http://youngarts.org/winners.  

National YoungArts Week will culminate with the organization's largest annual fundraiser, the YoungArts Backyard Ball Performance and Gala, presented by MaxMara and emceed by Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor, singer and director, YoungArts Alumnus Billy Porter (1987 Winner in Theater). During the event, YoungArts will honor director and actress Rosie Perez and director Robert Wilson with the Arison Award, as well as performer, Tony Award nominee, YoungArts Master Teacher and 1997 YoungArts Winner in Theater Tony Yazbeck with the Arison Alumni Award, for their outstanding contributions and indelible impact on the arts.

Last week the National YoungArts Foundation took over Manhattan offering approximately 120 aspiring artists (actors, dancers, designers, cinematagraphers, musicians, photographers, singers, visual artists and writers, all ages 15 - 18) the life changing opportunity to participate in more than 50 master classes, as well as studio visits, workshops and tours. Scroll down for photos from throughout the week!

The National YoungArts Foundation's 2015 YoungArts New York program will take place from April 27 to May 3 and will offer life changing experiences to more than 100 aspiring artists -- all of whom are 2015 YoungArts Winners.

Lori Joan Morgan's new illustrated children's book, 'Do I Have Friends?' (published by Trafford Publishing), is an accessible and educational text that teaches children that in order to have friends, one must be a friend.

The January-February public programming schedule at the Museum of Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to the Holocaust will feature compelling discussions, lively music, and engaging films.