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For YoungArts Finalists: A Guide To Surviving YoungArts Week

Nadege Green
/
WLRN
Visual artist and YoungArts alumna Jean Shin shares words of encouragement and tips for students participating in YoungArts Week 2016

It's YoungArts Week in Miami.

That means young artists from across  the country (dancers, writers, singers, filmmakers, visual artists and more) are in town  performing and exhibiting their work. In between, they get the opportunity to take master classes and workshops with leading artists in their fields. The events are taking place at the YoungArts Campus and the New World Center. 

This year's master teachers include MacArthur Genius and playwright Tarell McCraney;  Sarah Lamb, principal ballet dancer  with The Royal Ballet of London,  and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Doug Blush.

In addition to the exposure and classes, the young artists are vying for cash prizes (up to $10,000) and national recognition. 

As part of the judging process,  students participate in one-on-one interviews with YoungArts panelists. 

Jean Shin , a YoungArts alum and nationally recognized visual artist, hosted a workshop Tuesday and shared  some tips on how to survive the interview process and this week:

  1. Don't be afraid to be really real about who you are as a person and an artist. "They want to know about your struggles. They want to know about your hardships. You didn't get here by it being so easy."
  2. You are your own competition. "They’re not judging you against someone."
  3. There are five levels an artist can reach at YoungArts Week. Level 3, $1,000, Level 2, $1,500, Level 1, $3,000, Silver, $5,000 or Gold, $10,000. Don't freak out if you don't win Gold. "It’s not the end-all judgment. It’s just more money."
  4. YoungArts Week is about so much more than an end prize. The who's who of the arts world will be working one-on-one with students, and the future movers and shakers may just be sitting next to you. Make the most of it. "You guys are all winners; you’ve won."
  5. Not winning a "prize" at YoungArts Week does not mean you won't be successful at your craft. Really. “You can have the low tier, but you can be out there in the real world post-art school...successful and thriving.

 For more information on YoungArts Week 2016 and upcoming performances,  visit www.youngarts.org/yaw

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