The following is cross-posted from KnightArts.org

If you want to see the future of the arts in America, YoungArts Week will give you a glimpse into that future. This year, 152 of America’s brightest young artists from the visual, literary and performing arts are participating during YoungArts Week. And, it’s all taking place in Miami.

During this week-long event, these talented artists will partake in high-energy craft workshops, master classes with internationally recognized artists in their field and perform and/or exhibit their work. The top young artist in each field will receive a $10,000 award during a gala headlined by Robert Redford, Doug Aitken and Robert L. Lynch at the Gusman Center in downtown Miami.

Although many of the YoungArts Week events require tickets, including the gala, there are some events definitely worth taking the kids to that are free and open to the public.

On Thursday, Jan., 12th, at 6 p.m., a YoungArts Writers Reading will be held at the Miami Art Museum (MAM) Cultural Plaza. Finalists in the literary arts will share their writings in a public setting. After the reading, at 7:30, and inside the Miami Art Museum galleries, a Visual Arts and Photography Exhibition will open. And, finally, if you enjoy jazz, head over to the Van Dyke Cafe on Lincoln Road, where the finalists will be performing. (Seating for the jazz performance is limited, so arrive early.)

Friday, Jan. 13, 2012: Pre-performance YoungArts Masterclass in Film, 7:30 p.m.,  followed by Chamber Music Concert, 8 p.m., both events held at the New World Center, SoundScape at the S.W. corner of 17th Street, Washington Avenue, Miami Beach.

Saturday, Jan. 14, 6:15 p.m., An Affair of the Arts Performance & Gala Awards, The Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center, 174 E. Flagler Street. Tickets start at $650, young patrons $250. Purchase tickets by calling 305.377.1140 or e-mail [email protected].

YoungArts is a 2008 Knight Arts Challenge Miami winner.

If you can’t make the events in person, you can still watch them live on the web at http://youngarts.org/watch-live.