Where does YAC do its work?

YAC is based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. We work throughout the province and have collaborated in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. Because of YAC’s focus on partnerships, we can collaborate with like-minded organizations and communities, working together to empower young creatives in many different communities. We’re currently working on developing some online resources to expand impact beyond the communities we work with in person. Here are some of the spots we’ve done direct work with youth in the last few years: Ottawa, Montreal, Glace Bay Sydney, North Sydney, North End Halifax, Dartmouth North, Bridgewater, Yarmouth, Clare.

How can young artists get involved in YAC?

YAC runs an ongoing drop-in hub in North End Halifax every Wednesday, and all artists 30 and under are welcome. YAC also runs an annual festival and conference in Halifax called EMERGEHFX that features and engages new talent. We run workshops, programs and events with partners around the province. The best place to stay up to date about upcoming projects, programs, workshops and festivals is on our instagram account @youthartconnection. Several of our core programs also have social media channels, so follow us at @hubhfx @emergehfx @artpreneursYAC for details on those recurring programs.

How can organizations collaborate with YAC?

There’s nothing that gets us more excited than when fantastic organizations and programs reach out to us to find creative ways to collaborate. Email YAC Executive Director Mariah Barron at mariahb@youthartconnection.ca to explore how we can work together to support young artists and innovators to make impact in their communities.

It seems like YAC works on a ton of different kinds of projects. How can a small organization do so much?

From the outside, it can look like YAC works on a huge range of projects and impact areas. The secret to our success is our constant commitment to our first core value: Youth Engagement. The fact is our society consistently undervalues the ideas, motivation and talents of our young and most creative minds and their capacity to lead.

The value and success of our programs are all based on engaging with the young creatives we serve to achieve the impact we collectively identify, using approaches they suggest. We deliver business training for young artists because they identified the need for it, and helped us create the ARTpreneurs program. Our social justice programming is built on the ideas, talents and leadership of young creative change makers and partner organizations who understand the change that can be made when young creatives are properly empowered. The end results and how our programs are ‘packaged’ may look different, but they are all essentially about the same thing: youth engagement.

Does YAC focus on arts-based business development or social justice?

Both, and much more. For youth facing systemic barriers, learning to make money and change the challenging financial situation they are in, is an act of social justice. Creative leaders addressing social change also benefit from entrepreneurial thinking and organization. As long as an arts-based business is clear on its values and how it plans to make money, entrepreneurship, business and social justice impact can all be aligned. Increasingly young people want to build businesses and careers that are a part of making positive change in our society. This creative, visionary and entrepreneurial spirit and motivation is the fuel for all YAC programs.

How much do YAC programs cost?

All YAC programs are offered 100% FREE to ensure that financial barriers are not a major factor in a young, creative leaders’ ability to participate in our programs. To achieve this goal, YAC relies on the generous donations - large and small - from community members and businesses in the communities we serve. Corporate sponsors, government grants and support from foundations all play a major part in ensuring we can provide our innovative programming for the youth that need it the most, regardless of their financial situation.

See our DONATION page and find out how you can help us sustain and grow our impact.

How can I support YAC?

YAC relies on financial donations from supporters, no matter how small. Our DONATIONS page explains you how can make a difference today. We are always seeking volunteers willing to give their time and talent to help in various ways at YAC. Want to get involved? Check our our VOLUNTEER page and find out how to get involved.