The Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur, has announced the call for applications for the Young Talented Artistes Award for the years 2023–24, 2024–25, and 2025–26. The award, supported by the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, aims to recognize and encourage outstanding young talent from the state.
As per the official notification issued by the Directorate, the award seeks to honour young artistes in the age group of 18 to 30 years (as on March 31, 2023) for their excellence in various cultural fields. Eligible categories include Folk and Tribal Music/Song and Dance, Theatre, Dance, Drama, Mime, Painting, Wood, Cane and Bamboo Craft, Traditional Handloom and Handicrafts, Pottery, among others.
Each awardee will receive a cash prize of ¹ 20,000, along with a citation and memento. The scheme is open exclusively to Indian citizens who are indigenous to Manipur. Notably, candidates who have previously received similar State or National-level awards in the same field are not eligible to apply under this scheme.
Aspiring artistes may obtain the application form from the Office of the Directorate of Art & Culture, Manipur, starting from August 5, 2025, or download it from the official NEZCC website https://nezccdimapur.org.in/Home/Advertisement. The last date for submission of filled-in forms is 4:00 p.m. on August 18, 2025.
The screening of applicants will commence from August 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.