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“Using the LEAD values—Listen, Empathize, Act, and Drive—we empower all youth across Canada (Turtle Island) with self-confidence, character, and hope to lead positive change in themselves and their communities.” youthLEADarts Inc Mission Statement.  If the week-long LEAD program at Britannia Elementary in Vancouver were a play, the First Act laid the groundwork for the youth’s journeys as …

Mission Accomplished! An Overview of LEAD at Britannia Elementary Read More »

Thanks to a grant from CLICK, Mr. B’s grade 7 class at Britannia Elementary in Vancouver experienced a week-long journey with this year’s LEAD mentors Candice Halls Howcroft, David Lyle, Damian Rumph and myself, a program designed to empower youth and enhance their self-confidence through the arts. The class was full of great listeners who …

LEAD Magic at Britannia Elementary Read More »

Born in Suzhou, China, Lewis Fang is currently a 12th grade student at The Hun School of Princeton and a Pre-college student at The Juilliard School. He started playing the piano at age 4.  In 2015, Lewis immigrated to Vancouver, Canada, where he further continued his studies.  Lewis has been invited to perform with orchestras …

Lewis Fang to Perform at Tomorrow’s Soiree Read More »

Born in Suzhou, China, 17-year-old Farrah Chuqi Fang is currently a 12th grade student at The Hun School of Princeton, NJ.  She started singing at 7 years old with teacher Ms. Shi in Suzhou, China. She immigrated to Vancouver, Canada with her family in August 2015. There, she started learning Chinese Folk songs with Ruoxi Liu, …

Farrah Fang, Youth Soprano and Author to Perform at youthLEADarts Soiree This Wednesday Read More »

Mel and I are really enjoying our time with the youth in Little Harbour, Nova Scotia. Our empathy workshop went really well and we both feel inspired by the empathy and kindness demonstrated by these young people.  It gives us hope. Our session started with an opening circle reflecting on what we learned last session …

A Little Empathy Goes a Long Way in Little Harbour Read More »

Lismore youthLEADarts was a rocking this past week when local musicians Vivi Chediac (Director Carillon Singers, Music Director Lismore Springtime Review) and Steve Guthro (Percussion, guitar, singer performer Lismore Springtime Review) and Vic (Steve’s friend who joined us on electric guitar) jammed with our youth.  Youth mentor and culinary artist Melanie McDuff prepared a musical …

Staying Tuned: Lismore youthLEADarts Explores the Art of Music Read More »

This year over 20,000 people gathered for the centennial anniversary of the Victory Square Remembrance Day ceremony in Vancouver, B.C., and Kari Wang was there.  She was selected from thousands of students as the winner of this year’s Cam Cathcart Youth Remembrance Award, a poetry award created in 2006 by its namesake – long-time ceremony director …

Youth Remembers…Kari Wang: Winner of the Cam Cathcart Youth Remembrance Award Read More »

It’s official! youthLEADarts Inc now has charitable status! Please join us to celebrate this landmark at an on-line arts soirée on Wednesday, December 4th at 7 pm Eastern. There will be special guest entertainers, interactive visual arts activities with Deirdre Potash, door prizes, an opportunity to meet our national team, and a chance to share …

You’re Invited to an Arts Soirée: Wednesday, December 4th Read More »

Today, together we share the loss of a truly great Canadian, Justice Murray Sinclair. All of Canada can thank him forever for his work in bringing us to Truth and Reconciliation. With his work completed, he passed us the torch. Now more than ever, it is our turn to walk strong and steadfastly in his …

In Memory of Justice Murray Sinclair Read More »

youthLEADarts is expanding into more communities in rural Nova Scotia. This past Thursday night was the first night of youthLEADarts programs in Little Harbour, a picturesque and friendly seaside town in Pictou County with a strong need for youth programming. When we launched our program, it filled up immediately and we now have a waiting …

youthleadarts Launches in LIttle Harbour, Nova Scotia Read More »