It's 2023 and KCRW's Young Creators Project is back! We are looking for submissions in art, journalism, and music from young creatives in the greater LA area under 21. We will be choosing 5 of you in each category to spotlight across all of our channels. Show us what you've got!
Want to get more involved beyond just submitting a piece? On February 26th, KCRW is hosting an in-person Ask Me Anything (AMA) in our very own Annenberg Performance Studio at KCRW HQ in Santa Monica. Join us for a casual tour of our studios and ask all your burning questions to a panel of KCRW staff members who have jobs in music, art, and journalism. This event will be hybrid for those unable to join in person.
February:
VISUAL ART
LA artists! Show us what you’ve been working on. KCRW is accepting submissions for visual art. Send us your favorite piece of work along with a video of you expressing your process and what this piece means to you.
Submissions Open | Wednesday, February 1st at 12:00 AM PDT
Submissions Close | Tuesday, February 28th at 11:59 PM PDT
Come back soon! Submissions open on Wednesday, February 1st at 12:00 AM PDT.
March:
JOURNALISM
Be KCRW's Youth Correspondent. What stories do you think are worth telling? Explore LA and report on the scene! Create a video, alone or with friends, reporting on what’s going on in your community — whether that’s a local story, a concert review, checking out the new restaurant on the corner. Give us a taste of what’s going on in your LA.
Submissions Open | Wednesday, March 1st at 12:00 AM PST
Submissions Close | Friday, March 31st at 11:59 PM PDT
Come back soon! Submissions open on Wednesday, March 1st at 12:00 AM PDT.
April:
MUSIC
Have original music you want to get out into the world? Send us a video of your best song! All genres of music are welcome. Have fun with your video, it doesn’t have to be professional quality — but one that includes you performing is a great way to give us a vibe check of your style and vision. Hot tip: Audio quality is king (cause, hey, we’re a radio station!)
Submissions Open | Saturday, April 1st at 12:00 AM PDT
Submissions Close | Sunday, April 30th at 11:59 PM PDT
Come back soon! Submissions open on Saturday, April 1st at 12:00 AM PDT.
Selected Young Creators will be featured on the following channels once submissions close:
- On KCRW’s socials
- On KCRW.com
- In KCRW newsletters
- On-air on KCRW 89.9 FM
Selected Young Creators will also receive:
- $300 for your piece to be featured on KCRW
Every young creator who submits will automatically receive a year of KCRW membership with all the perks!
Young Creators Project Upcoming Events
KCRW's Young Creators Project Ask Me Anything | Sunday, February 26th
Join us for a tour of KCRW HQ and a live AMA on February 26 . Learn how everything comes together here at KCRW, and get some free advice on how best to pursue your creative industry.
Check out our 2022 winners!
Guidelines
- Only one submission per artist.
- All submissions must be entered by Greater LA area artists who are under the age of 21.
- KCRW will need a sign off from a parent or guardian to spotlight any selected artists under 18 years old.
- If you're submitting a piece as a group, the majority of artists must be under the age of 21.
FAQ
Who’s reviewing the submissions and deciding which artists will be selected?
KCRW’s music, news, and culture teams will be reviewing all the submissions and handpicking a few artists to spotlight across our channels.
What does it mean for my work to be featured by KCRW?
Selected creators will be featured on KCRW’s socials, newsletters, website, and on-air.
Who is allowed to participate?
You must be under 21 and based in the Greater Los Angeles area (including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Orange counties).
Does my video submission have to be a live performance or can I use pre-recorded audio?
Whatever works best for you, friend! But “air-quality” audio will go further on our channels.
What happens if my video is over 5 minutes?
Your piece will not be considered for selection by KCRW.
Am I allowed to use obscenities in my piece?
Yes, but if you are selected for an artist spotlight, KCRW will censor your piece on air per FCC guidelines.
How will I know if I’m selected? When will selected artists be notified?
KCRW will choose which artists to spotlight two weeks after submissions close. KCRW will reach out to you directly if you are selected.
Who can I contact with questions that aren’t included in the FAQ?
Please reach out to events@kcrw.org for any further questions.