Maggie Wilkinson, a student at the Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts, was named a 2019 YoungArts Foundation Finalist in writing and poetry, the organization’s highest honor. Ms. Wilkinson’s recognition earned her a spot in the 38th Annual National YoungArts Week held in Miami from Jan. 6-13.
Ms. Wilkinson will receive a cash prize of $10,000 and the opportunity to share her work at renowned institutions such as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington, D.C.), The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), Baryshnikov Arts Center (New York) and New World Center (Miami).
Ms. Wilkinson and the other winners will also have access to mentors who have won Tony Awards, Grammy Awards and Academy Awards.
Selected through a blind adjudication process conducted by an independent panel of highly accomplished artists, the 2019 winners represent the top 10 percent of applications. Ms. Wilkinson was one of only 710 students across the country selected to participate in the 2019 YoungArts Week. The week allows students to participate in master classes and workshops with internationally recognized leaders in their fields. Participants received access to one of the most comprehensive programs for young artists in the United States, offering guidance to participants to prepare them for the next stage in their artistic development.
Ms. Wilkinson is also eligible for nomination to the White House-appointed Commission on Presidential Scholars. Ms. Wilkinson will join a growing alumni network of more than 20,000 artists and will receive access to additional professional and artistic development and presentation opportunities to help her continue to grow and succeed, officials said.
All winners are eligible to participate in YoungArts’ regional programs, including YoungArts Miami (Feb. 19–24), YoungArts Los Angeles (March 26–31) and YoungArts New York (April 23–28), and will join a professional network of distinguished artists.