COFAC Young Artist

COFAC Young Artist Awards

COFAC Young Artist Awards Day

Thursday April 4, 2024 11am to 4:30pm

The COFAC Young Artist Awards annually recognize high school students talented in the arts. Honorees selected by WIU College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) faculty are invited to Western Illinois University for a full day of celebratory activities and an awards ceremony.

Submission Guidelines

  • COFAC Young Artist Awards Day is scheduled for Thursday, April 4, 2024.
  • Young Artist Applications will be accepted beginning October 1 via our online platform.
  • All applications must be submitted via our online platform.
  • Submissions for this year’s COFAC Young Artist Awards in all categories are due Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.
  • Awardees will be notified after February 1, 2024.

Application Instructions

  • The application portal opens on October 1, 2023.
  • Please provide a complete application at the time of submission. Be sure to spell all names accurately, as they will be printed as they are provided.
  • Note the requirements for each area as described below. Each area has different requirements; verify all materials are complete and accurate before submitting.
  • Applications are due in full on Friday, December 1, 2023.

Submission Guidelines

Submission Guidelines for Each Area of Interest

(Please note: You can combine certain elements into a single document or PDF, but ensure that your application includes all of the required elements at the time of submission.)

If pursuing multiple disciplines, please submit a separate application for each discipline. Click on the category below for guidelines:

Music (Instrumental & Voice)

  1. Submit 2 letters of recommendation. These letters should be from individuals who can speak to your artistry and talent.
  2. Students will submit TWO videos of them performing contrasting rep that best shows their artist abilities within music. Video should be an Unlisted YouTube link.

Music (Composition)

  1. Submit 2 letters of recommendation. These letters should be from individuals who can speak to your artistry and talent.
  2. Submit a pdf of your original score.
  3. Submit up to a 3-minute audio file of a recording of your composition. This may be converted from a MIDI file.

Music Theatre

  1. Submit 2 letters of recommendation. These letters should be from individuals who can speak to your artistry and talent.
  2. Submit a video of 2 contrasting monologues, performance of one FULL song, and one 16-32 BAR CUT of a contrasting song.

Dance

  1. Submit 2 letters of recommendation. These letters should be from individuals who can speak to your artistry and talent.
  2. Submit 1 video of your preferred dance style. The video should be no longer than 10 minutes. Video should be an Unlisted YouTube link.

Theatre (Acting)

  1. Submit 2 letters of recommendation. These letters should be from individuals who can speak to your artistry and talent.
  2. Submit a video of 2 contrasting monologues. Each (monologue) submission should not be any longer than 90 seconds. Video should be an Unlisted YouTube link.

Theatre (Tech/Design) (Costume, Scenic, Lighting, Sound, Directing, Management)

  1. Submit 2 letters of recommendation. These letters should be from individuals who can speak to your artistry and talent.
  2. Submit an electronic portfolio of your work in theatre. This includes renderings, drafting, photos, and videos examples or clips from productions or rehearsals.

Visual Art

  1. Submit 2 letters of recommendation. These letters should be from individuals who can speak to your artistry and talent.
  2. Submit up to an electronic portfolio of 5 pieces.

Broadcasting/Journalism

  1. Submit 2 letters of recommendation. These letters should be from individuals who can speak to your artistry and talent.
  2. Submit an electronic portfolio of examples of media pieces, apps, podcasts, short film clips, and other avenues of media/communication.

FAQs

Who is eligible for the award?

Any high school junior in the state of Illinois (including home school students) and any high school junior who attends a high school within a 150-mile radius of WIU.

What do I have to do to apply?

View all guidelines and follow the instructions for your area of interest. All applications must be submitted online via our online platform. No mailed applications will be accepted. Each area has different requirements; verify all materials are complete and accurate before submitting.

Who should submit the application?

Students can submit the applications or a parent/teacher may assist with the submission process. It is recommended that the student’s email be listed in the application. The email provided will serve as the primary point of contact for the applicant.

What is the award for selected honorees?

COFAC Young Artist Award recipients will attend a day of activities scheduled on April 4, 2024, at Western Illinois University to discover life in the arts at Western. At the end of the day, an awards ceremony honoring all recipients will be hosted, where each honoree will receive a certificate, a personalized letter from the Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, and a special gift. Students selected for the COFAC Young Artist Awards who enroll at Western Illinois University, select a major within the college, and complete other screening protocols will be eligible for other scholarship opportunities.

Do I have to be nominated by my school?

No, any high school junior may submit an application on our online platform. Letters of recommendation should be from a school teacher or private instructor.

Is there a limit on how many applications can come from one school?

No, there is no limit on the number of applications per school in any category this year.

What do I submit for the Visual Arts category?

See the Visual Arts Guidelines in the “Submission Guidelines” tab.

Can I apply in more than one category?

Yes, students may apply in up to two (2) categories, but they must apply separately for each category. Applicants should submit all requested material at the time of application submission. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Who will review the applications?

Western Illinois University College of Fine Arts and Communication faculty in each area of interest review the applications and select the recipients of the award. Honorees are selected based on the quality of application materials and the number of honorees selected may vary by category.

Can I turn in applications or materials late?

All completed applications must be submitted online by 11:59 CST by Friday, December 1, 2023. No late applications, incomplete applications, or emailed application portions will be accepted. Early submissions are encouraged.

Alfonzo “Al” Cooper

Contact Us

The Coordinator for COFAC Young Artist Awards is Dr. Alfonzo Cooper, Jr.

Contact Dr. Cooper at Email: a-cooper@wiu.edu with additional questions.