Frequently Asked Questions for 2023

Who is eligible?
What is eligible?
What is ineligible?
When is the deadline?

Is there an application fee to apply?
Is there an alternative way to apply?
Are emailed, mailed, hand-delivered and/or faxed applications accepted?
Are hand written applications accepted?
Can I attach additional pages to the application?
What period of time does this program cover?
When will I be notified?
Can this be for artistic study outside of the United States?
What if I don’t get accepted into the training program I am applying to?
What if I plan on attending multiple training programs?
How do I best speak to my artistic study and future artistic goals?
What is an Arts Mentor?
Why shouldn’t my mentor also be my choice of training program?
What if I have more than one Arts Mentor?
What should my Arts Mentor write in their letter of recommendation?
Can I pick more than one discipline (like visual arts and literature)?
What kind of audiovisual material should I include?
What is the selection process?
How many will be selected?
What are the requirements if selected as a Young Master?
What have prior classes done?
Who do I contact with questions?
How can I help promote this opportunity?

Who is eligible?
8th through 11th grade students who are legal U.S. and Texas residents, who maintain passing grades and who currently participate in an arts program.

What is eligible?
Structured classes, programs, or private lessons in TCA approved artistic disciplines. If unclear on approved artistic disciplines, contact TCA.

What is ineligible?

  • No college study or advanced academic credit
  • No team applications
  • No concert tours
  • No unstructured travel or independent study
  • At this time, we are not able to accept any of the following: juggling, unicycles, entertainers, magicians, drill team, cheerleading, competitive dance, baton twirling, commercial-based work, interior design, or fashion design.

When is the deadline?
The deadline for 2023 has closed.  It was November 1, 2023.  The next deadline will be November 1, 2025 by midnight (CST) for the online application and all attachments. . 

Is there an application fee to apply?
No.

Is there an alternative way to apply?
Artists with disabilities who require alternative ways of applying for this award should contact one of program administrators, Matrex Kilgore: matrex@arts.texas.gov or 512/936-6563 or Kenneth Williams: kenneth@arts.texas.gov  or 512-936-6581.

Are emailed, mailed, hand-delivered and/or faxed applications accepted?
No.

Are handwritten applications accepted?
No.

Can I attach additional pages to the application?
No.

What period of time does this program cover?
May 1, 2024 through August 31, 2024 for the first year. Support may be for up to two years and recipients must submit a plan for study annually.

When will I be notified?
By April 1, 2024. Do not call or email about your application status before then.

Can this be for artistic study outside of the United States?
Yes.

What if I don’t get accepted into the training program I am applying to?
You will have the opportunity to revise your application based on your final summer plans.

What if I plan on attending multiple training programs?
Fill out only one Young Masters application. Indicate your first-choice training program for the review process, but speak to all credible programs in the narrative.

How do I best speak to my artistic study and future artistic goals?
In your application narrative, show yourself in your best light. Consider the highlights of your studies and their connection to both short-term and long-term goals.

What is an Arts Mentor?
Your high school art teacher, your private arts teacher, or an arts professional you have a tutorial relationship with and who can advise you on your artistic development. Please note your parent should not be your arts mentor.  Ideally, your mentor should not also be your choice of training program for this award.

Why shouldn’t my mentor also be my choice of training program?
It can be perceived as a conflict of interest. It is difficult for evaluators to judge your application when your mentor might benefit from the award. Also, this is your chance to branch out and try new and different learning experiences. We want to support opportunities for you that may not be possible without this award.

What if I have more than one Arts Mentor?
Choose a primary arts mentor whose artistic training relates to the proposed training program.

What should my Arts Mentor write in their letter of recommendation?
They should include their history with the student, the student’s strengths and weaknesses, and their opinion of the student’s future career in the arts.

Can I pick more than one discipline (like visual arts and literature)?
No. You can speak to your other artistic interests in your application.

What kind of audiovisual material should I include?
See the detailed list under audiovisual material that pertains to your artistic discipline. Your audiovisual work sample will be due on the deadline as part of your application.

What is the selection process?
Eligible applications are reviewed during an evaluation panel meeting. The TCA Commissioners make final funding decisions on applications.

How many will be selected?
There is no set number of recipients. Applications are not ranked 1st, 2nd or 3rd, but are chosen based on a standard of excellence.

What are the requirements if selected as a Young Master?

  • Travel to Austin for a one-day orientation in spring (travel expenses will be reimbursed according to the State of Texas travel rules)
  • Keep the Texas Commission on the Arts apprised of your progress in your arts training.
  • Consent to be highlighted in the press or media to publicize the Young Masters Program, the Texas Commission on the Arts, or the Texas Cultural Trust.
  • Maintain passing academic grades in your school.
  • Serve as a public role model for the Young Masters Program and the Texas Commission on the Arts.
  • Attend or perform at select Texas Commission on the Arts events.
  • If eligible to receive the grant, you must complete an update application to receive the second year of funding.
  • File timely report forms with receipts for documentation
  • Write a thank you letter addressed Dear Funder that details what you learned at your training program and how receiving the Young Masters grant has helped you. This letter should be included as part of your report form.


What have prior classes done?

Past Young Masters have used the grant to attend summer programs at Juilliard, Interlochen, Alvin Ailey, Joffrey School of Ballet, LINES Contemporary Dance, Sewanee Young Writers’ Conference, Digital Media Academy, California State Summer School for the Arts, Tanglewood, Perlman Music Program, Aspen Music Festival, Broadway Theatre Project, School of the Arts Institute of Chicago, Rhode Island School of Design, and Maryland Institute College of Art, among others.

Who do I contact with questions? (email preferred)

Matrex Kilgore
matrex@arts.texas.gov
512-936-6563

Kenneth Williams
kenneth@arts.texas.gov
512-936-6581

How can I help promote this opportunity?

Download and print this flyer to help us spread the word.  Let us know if there is an opportunity for staff to come visit with students or fine art educators!