The central event of NYC's first-ever #TeenArtsWeek, the Youth Summit will explore the theme Art for Action through performance and discussion, and help teens identify pathways to careers in the arts.
Designed by fellows in 92Y’s Teen Producers program, the event will feature spoken word poet Mahogany L. Browne, internationally acclaimed visual artist Firelei Báez and award-winning social justice theatre company Epic Theatre Ensemble.
The program will include a moderated conversation about advocacy for paid jobs in the arts for teens—and art as a vehicle for creating community. Panel participants include teen filmmaker Phillip Youmans, who just became the youngest-ever director to win top prize at the Tribeca Film Festival; National Book Foundation Executive Director Lisa Lucas; and Lincoln Center Education Director Alex Sarian. The conversation will be moderated by Jose Ortiz, Jr., Executive Director of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition.
The event will culminate in a performance by three-time GRAMMY-nominated teen jazz pianist Joey Alexander.