Youth Arts Council Program

Participants in the Youth Arts Council (YAC) focus on arts appreciation, community service, and leadership skills in order to learn what it means to be an advocate for the arts and a well-rounded community leader. 

Teens are engaged in experiential three-hour in-person sessions over six months that provide hands-on real-world leadership situations at a performing arts center. Expert speakers and problem-solving projects help teen participants complete the program with increased knowledge of career opportunities in the arts, financial responsibility, leadership skills, small and large group dynamics, as well as public relations and marketing for the arts.

The YAC program is sponsored by the Chandler Cultural Foundation, a 501c3 organization that supports the visual and performing arts at the Chandler Center for the Arts, along with other generous organizations. Participation in the Youth Arts Council may be used as a capstone project for the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency. 

STUDENT COMMITMENT

The YAC program is free of charge to all participants. Sessions take place from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on selected Wednesdays.  Teens are expected to miss no more than three sessions during their term as a Youth Arts Council member. A Certificate of Completion will be given to each teen at the conclusion of the program year.

WHO CAN APPLY

Candidates must be 13-17 years of age and attend a public, private, parochial, charter, or home school. This is a unique program for students who are interested in leadership and the arts to see the ins and outs of a performing arts center. 

HOW TO APPLY

The Youth Arts Council program is free of charge to all participants. The program starts in September and concludes in March.  A maximum of 15 teens will be selected. Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are no longer accepted. We look forward to receiving your application in August 2025!

For additional information email [email protected] or call 480-782-2682.