young arts leaders (yal) of RAC
A creative hub for young artists, lead and run by young artists
What is YAL?
Young Arts Leaders (YAL) is a new program starting in May 2026 at Riverside Arts Center for young people who want to grow as artists while being in collaboration and community with their peers. If you are seeking a place to be your artistic home with access to professional artists for mentorship and guidance, read more about YAL below and make sure to fill out the interest form.
What can Riverside Arts Center do for YAL?
Provide a safe space to work on your own art and connect with other young artists
Provide a place to explore new art mediums
Provide access to professional artists
Offer guidance and mentorship
Offer paid summer apprenticeship opportunities (limited spots available)
RAC provides the space, mentorship, and resources to help bring YAL’s ideas and goals to fruition. But YAL is shaped by the young artists who join and lead it!
Who Should Participate?
YAL is open to teens, college students as well as artists ages 18-20 who are not currently enrolled in school who are interested in pursuing the arts, deepening their creative practice, and gaining leadership skills.
You might enjoy the program if you:
Want to gather and connect with other artists
Want to develop your artistic skills
Are building a portfolio
Want access to guidance and mentors
Are interested in arts leadership
Have ideas for programs you wish to lead or participate in
You don’t have to be an expert artist. You do need to be someone interested in creativity, collaboration and leadership.
Important Dates
Interest Form Opens: March 13, 2026
Information Meetings: in April 2026 at various times and locations in and around Riverside TBA
Program Launch: May/June, 2026
Regular Meeting Times: DAY / TIME TBD by YAL
OTHER
There is no cost to join YAL
RAC is accessible by public transportation: BNSF Metra (Riverside stop) and Harlem Ave bus