The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers sponsors the awards for young artists aged 13 and up in grades 7-12. The Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley is the affiliate for all of Southwest Virginia. Student artists receive an opportunity to exhibit locally at the Fine Arts Center, with gold medal winners moving to the national competition. At the national level students compete for more than $37,000 in scholarships along with awards and the opportunity to exhibit in New York and other regional exhibits.