By Sarah Watson Gray | Director of Institutional Giving
YoungArts envisions a world that embraces artists as vital to our humanity. Central to this vision is our country's young artists. They are the future: the creative minds who bravely challenge norms, encourage communities to think differently, innovate and evolve.
Each day, YoungArts works towards this vision and in January, YoungArts hosted National YoungArts Week, a seven-day intensive training program for YoungArts competition finalists: 138 of the nation’s most accomplished 15-18 year old artists. These artists convened in Miami to collaborate with peers across 10 disciplines and develop their craft with internationally recognized leaders in their field including author Richard Blanco, actor and playwright Taylor Mac, jazz alto saxophonist Charles McPherson, costume designer Machine Dazzle and actor BD Wong, among others. Exposure to this caliber of professional artist can be profound for a young person.
During this week-long program, YoungArts hosted 225 sessions including masterclasses, rehearsals, workshops and wellness sessions, in which young artists learned discipline-specific techniques, were trained in interdisciplinary collaboration, and had valuable one-on-one time with coaches and panelists to receive custom feedback about their work. Each artist participated in about 40 hours of programming.
Throughout the week, participating artists shared their work with live and virtual audiences over the course of four nights of performances at New World Center in Miami Beach, as well as an evening of writers’ readings and an exhibition opening at the YoungArts Campus in downtown Miami. A total of 2,187 individuals attended in person and an additional 1,200 unique individuals viewed the live stream on youngarts.org.
Bringing these artists to Miami when they are first discovering and honing their creative practice is profound. Not only are young artists learning how to propel their artistic practice forward through training and mentorship, but they are also building a support system that can advocate for them for years to come.YoungArts endeavors to affirm the bravery of these artists by providing resources that nurture talent, expand networks, and foster collaboration and individuality.
Thank you to everyone who has supported YoungArts and its mission to identify exceptional young artists, amplify their potential, and invest in their lifelong creative freedom.
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