YouthCreate

About

YouthCreate is a youth-led initiative to cultivate a dedicated space designed for creative individuals between the ages of 14 and 24.

Powered by the Quinte Arts Council, it was founded in 2025 by Lauren Little and Arlo Newman, two summer students working at the Quinte Arts Council.

In their efforts to support the local arts scene, they noticed a significant gap in youth participation at events, which often seemed designed for an older audience. Recognizing the lack of designated space for youth lead projects, opportunities, and initiatives, both founders agreed to establish a youth-lead creative community. In addressing this, YouthCreate was formed!

YouthCreate was created to empower young people by providing a dedicated space where they can lead, create, and explore on their own terms. Designed to foster independence, creativity, and leadership, YouthCreate offers an environment where youth voices are valued and young people are encouraged to shape their own experiences and opportunities.

Find us on TikTok: @quinteartscouncil 

 

Our Mission

This is a space by youth, for youth, where creative freedom is at the core. Whether you’re into film, visual art, music, writing, performance—or still figuring it out—the YouthCreate project is here to help you connect, create, lead, and be heard.

We aim to bridge the gap among young artists with diverse skills, fostering local creative growth and ensuring youth have the support they need to carry out their ideas successfully.

 

Our Initiatives

This year, the focus is on two re-envisioned initiatives: Spotlight Videos and the YouthCreate Hub.

Spotlight Videos are a long-running callout for participants to create and submit videos to be posted or reposted on the TikTok page. This initiative promotes young creatives while providing a space for creative youth to see others like themselves and grow a digital community full of opportunities, learning, and connection with like-minded peers.

The YouthCreate Hub takes place at the Quinte Arts Council. It is designed as an environment where youth can seek guidance, pose artistic inquiries, network, and showcase work they take pride in. It is a safe, in-person space for youth to come together, collaborate, and make friends. The Hub offers many opportunities to share creative work, ask for advice, and get questions answered.