The Visual Arts Achievement Program provides local and state recognition for student achievement in the visual arts. The program is designed to offer encouragement to young artists, showcase their work and offer opportunities for advanced training beyond high school.

As an arts in education program, it awards students in grades 6 through 12 that are participating in arts programs within their academic institutions. Students from private studios are not eligible to submit work through their studio instructors.

Click here to view the 2021 Visual Arts Achievement exhibition.

VAAP 2023 dates to remember:

• January 2023 - Regional Competitions begin
• Late March 2023 - Winners from Regional competition move onto State
• April 1-29, 2023 - Exhibition of Regional Winners at the Georgine Clarke Alabama Artists’ Gallery on view
• April 21, 2023 - Awards Ceremony and Reception in Montgomery, AL
• May 2, 2023 - Artwork returned to Regional Coordinators
• June 5, 2023 - Applications open for Portfolio: Visual Arts Achievement Post-Secondary Support Program

Portfolio: Visual Arts Achievement Post-Secondary Support Program

The Alabama State Council on the Arts provides local and state recognition for student achievement in the visual arts through the Visual Arts Achievement Program and through the Portfolio support program designed to encourage student artists to continue their training through opportunities to both showcase their work and for advanced training beyond high school.

The Portfolio support program is intended for graduating high school senior artists. Interested students will complete the application by submitting five of their own works (at least two of which will require process images), and an artist statement through our online portal. Each application will be judged by a jury of professional artists, educators, and others in the visual arts field. Recommended applicants will be awarded $500 by the Alabama State Council on the Arts to support their ongoing growth and education as an artist.

To submit your work to the current Portfolio application please contact Kaci Norman at kaci.norman@arts.alabama.gov to receive the access code to the application.