Calling All Grade 7-12 Students:
ArtsSmarts' 21st Youth Creativity Challenge is here!!

ArtsSmarts' National Youth Advisory Committee is thrilled to be calling for project proposals for the 21st Century Youth Creativity Challenge. Student groups from across the country can shape and submit creative project proposals based on the ArtsSmarts approach to learning starting now and up until Friday, March 2, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Rooted in an environment of youth-led learning, the 21st Century Youth Creativity Challenge (21YCC) is designed to stimulate, support and celebrate a national series of ArtsSmarts projects that enable Grades 7 to 12 students from across Canada to become active creators of their own future - to find their passion, to experience success in learning, and to develop the skills and competencies required to excel in the 21st Century. 
 
A particular emphasis for 21YCC proposals is placed upon collaborative projects that explore issues of identity, social inclusion and community belonging - enduring themes deeply connected to the economic, social and cultural prosperity of our nation.
 
"Submitting your project idea at the 21YCC is a great opportunity," said National Youth Advisory Committee spokesperson Charles MacDougall. "It means youth-led creativity, local artists involvement and all while learning from the school curriculum. It's a great way to bring a community together to work towards a common goal. I can't wait to see these projects take place all over Canada."

All project proposals submitted will be assessed by the National Youth Advisory Committee. Successful proposals will receive a grant between $1,000 to $5,000.  Successful applicants will be notified by March 12, 2012. 21YCC projects must be completed in the window of September 1 to December 21, 2012. A cash prize of $5,000 for the best realized project will be awarded in mid-January 2013.

The National Youth Advisory Committee (NYAC) represents students in Grades 8 to 12 from both urban and rural areas in six different provinces, living in both of Canada's official languages and celebrating a range of socio-ethnic backgrounds. Rounding out the NYAC is artist Katie Green from Montreal and ArtsSmarts PEI's Cécile Arsenault, who serve as creative and community mentors.21YCC and the NYAC are supported by ArtsSmarts National's Community Engagement Coordinator, Karen Harkins. More information about the NYAC can be found on the ArtsSmarts website.

What: ArtsSmarts' 21st Century Youth Creativity  Challenge call for project proposals
Who: Grade 7 to 12 students from across Canada
Proposal Deadline: Friday, March 2, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.
How:  Download the 21YCC Project Proposal Form form the ArtsSmarts website
Project Dates:  September 1 to December 21, 2012
Prizing: Mid-January 2013

For more information, contact:
Karen Harkins | Community Engagement Coordinator | ArtsSmarts | 416-848-1882 X 116 | kharkins@artssmarts.ca 
 
ArtsSmarts' 21st Century Youth Creativity Challenge is supported in part by the Youth Take Charge Program of the  Department of Canadian Heritage