Released: October 10, 2008

WHEN: Thursday, Apr. 2, 2009

WHERE: Hixson-Lied College of Fine & Performing Arts

Lincoln, Neb., October 10th, 2008 -The Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks applications for the 12th-annual Nebraska Young Artist Awards.

The Nebraska Young Artist Awards recognize 11th-grade students from Nebraska who are gifted and talented in the areas of visual art, dance, music, theatre, and film and new media. These students exemplify the pinnacles of creativity in one of the fine and performing arts.

To be recognized, students must submit an application, a letter of recommendation from a teacher or private instructor, and submit a sample of their work. Full instructions and the application are available on the college's Web site, www.unl.edu/finearts/yaa.shtml, or by contacting Kathe Andersen at (402) 472-9355 or by e-mail.

Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 5, 2008.

The applications will be judged by UNL Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts faculty, and the winning students will be invited to a special day of recognition April 2, 2009.

Honored students will take tours of the arts facilities, attend classes and meet faculty and college students. Their parents will also be invited, and they will also take tours, as well as receive information on careers in the arts and college curriculum. The day will conclude with an awards ceremony.

Students selected to participate in the Nebraska Young Artist Awards will also be asked to nominate the teacher who provided them with the greatest amount of mentoring and support in the development of their special talents.