Weekend workshops took place over 16 weeks from January to May in 2021 with children in grades 5-8.

Part one of the program engaged youth in weekly 2-hour workshops led by the youthLEADarts national team. The workshops in visual arts, media arts, writing, drama and spoken word allowed participating youth to experience art as a means of personal expression and develop skills that empowered them to incorporate art and inquiry into the projects they developed in part two. Part one concluded with a virtual art exhibition.

Part two of the program put youth front and centre as they selected topics they were passionate about. They then collaborated and used their newfound art skills to develop a community project that addressed it. They mobilized their own talents to effect change. Mentors facilitated the further incorporation of their art, inquiry, organizational, research, and communication skills into these projects. Youth had the opportunity to write and produce songs, videos, plays, community art projects, on-line events and collaborative media arts projects to draw attention to their topics. As they found their own voices, they in turn become the voice of change.

As a culminating event, participating youth leaders shared their process and final projects at a mini on-line conference that celebrated how they impacted the community around them.

If you are interested in bringing a youthLEADarts program to your community send an e-mail to info@youthleadarts.com