RCA Youth Arts Council

The Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA) is inviting passionate and creative youth from Kelowna and West Kelowna to apply for our Youth Arts Council. If you are a student aged 13-18, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact in your community while exploring your creative interests. As a member of the Youth Arts Council, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of youth involvement in the Kelowna arts scene for 2024 and beyond. 

The Youth Arts Council will meet monthly at the RCA to plan and organize a variety of arts-related projects and events. You'll have the opportunity to brainstorm ideas for new youth programming, plan fundraisers, and connect with like-minded peers—all while enjoying some tasty snacks! Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed, especially as important deadlines approach. 

What Will You Do as a Youth Council Member? 

  • Organize Events & Projects:  Lead and participate in arts-related events, programs, and projects that enrich the Kelowna community. 
  • Network & Learn: Meet new people and learn from leaders and mentors within the RCA and the broader arts community. 
  • Express Your Ideas: Share your insights and ideas on RCA’s art classes, performances, and youth events—your voice will help shape our offerings! 
  • Develop Leadership & Teamwork: Build essential leadership and teamwork skills that will benefit you in future community initiatives and personal growth. 
  • Earn Volunteer Hours: Gain valuable volunteer experience and hours to add to your resume and future applications. 

The RC Youth Arts Council is a youth-led initiative, meaning you’ll have the freedom to decide much of what the Council undertakes throughout the year. Some project ideas include: 

  • Hosting an open-mic poetry night 
  • Compiling and publishing a collection of youth writing from Kelowna 
  • Curating an art exhibit in one of the RCA’s galleries 
  • Planning a fashion show 
  • Creating a public outdoor art installation or performance 
  • Organizing a fundraising event to support future youth projects

Follow this years Youth Arts Council on Instagram to stay up to date with their endeavors. @rcayouthartscouncil

For more questions, contact Angela Roy, Educational Programming Coordinator at the Rotary Centre for the Arts: email: [email protected]; phone: (250) 717-5304 ext. 114.

Youth Arts Council Application Form

RCA Youth Arts Council Member Emily Brolund, City of Kelowna's Arts & Culture Newsletter, June 2024

Each month, the City of Kelowna features a piece from a local creative youth who shares their words and art as part of their Creative Youth Perspective series.

"This past school year, I had the opportunity to help mentor the Rotary Centre for the Arts, Youth Arts Council (YAC). I was a member of this group last year, helping lead a 3-month-long exhibition titled Artists of Kelowna: Recognition and Presence, along with a matching Instagram interview project. 
While mentoring the YAC, I was able to take on a leadership role, which I enjoyed very much. I helped lead meetings and develop schedules and still actively participated in their project. We decided to hold an Art Market Fundraiser, which will be held on June 1. We collaborated with Upstream to fundraise for their project to bring mental health services into middle schools. 
I had so much fun mentoring this year, and I would highly recommend anyone between the ages of 13 and 17 (Grades 8 and 12) to apply to be on the 2024-2025 Youth Arts Council!"