Young American Talent

Young American Talent (YAT) is a juried Visual Art Competition for North Texas high school students. It is hosted by the non-profit Visual Arts Guild at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.

The annual event encourages the pursuit of artistic excellence among Dallas-area high school students by providing an opportunity to compete with peers, participate in a juried art exhibit and receive recognition in a professional gallery setting. Best in Show and each 1st through 3rd place category winner receives a monetary award. 

In 2025, more than 1,100 works were entered and 140 were selected, yielding an inspiring collection of exceptional artwork by burgeoning members of the Dallas art community. 

This juried competition is open to all North Texas high school students and offers them an outstanding opportunity to compete with their peers and to showcase their artwork in a professional gallery setting.

The dates for the 2026 competition are May 5-9, at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center. For more information, check the submission guidelines and frequently asked questions or email the YAT committee. 

YAT offers a range of partnership opportunities. Corporate partners at every level receive a benefits package that includes valuable visibility, VIP access and a curated benefit. 100% of the donations goes to the students.

Young American Talent is organized and run by volunteers. 100% of donations goes to the students. Please consider a donation to support the event and its participants.