Young at Art celebrates 30 years of encouraging new artists to go for it

The Young at Art Program is celebrating its 30th anniversary year with new categories, added opportunities and its annual exhibition.

For 30 years, the Young at Art (YAA) Program has showcased the creativity and talent of Ottawa’s artists aged 12 to 19 years. This year’s exhibit and anniversary celebration is shaping up to be picture-perfect.

Since 1996, Young at Art has highlighted young artists through a professionally assessed exhibition in community galleries across Ottawa. Thousands of youth have shared their art, stories, passions and bold ideas – sometimes for the very first time in a professional setting.

For past participants like Leo Wang, the experience is unforgettable. “Participating in Young at Art was an amazing event,” says Leo. “I got to share my art, meet many talented peers and connect with the wonderful organizers who gave this platform to young artists.” He says YAA benefits both students and the community encouraging others to “just go for it” and “have fun while doing so.”

That sense of fostering community and enabling opportunities is at the heart of the program. Open to students from across Ottawa, Young at Art allows participants to build confidence, receive professional feedback and see their work presented in established City galleries.

Morgan Hamilton-Kirk said her experience in the Young at Art Program confirmed her path forward in the creative arts, “Seeing my work exhibited professionally sparked something in me during the vernissage that I still carry today.” During that vernissage, she felt “…a thrilling flow of creativity, connection, and community that I suddenly realized I could step into and contribute to.”

Each year, a selection committee made up of arts professionals and emerging artists reviews submissions and chooses artworks to be exhibited and recognized with awards. Past selection committee member Helena Terry says the experience highlights just how much talent exists in Ottawa, “Young at Art gives youth a great platform to be recognized and celebrated,” she says. “We have so many incredibly talented young creatives in this city, and it was great to give them their moment to shine.”

Leo Khordoc-Davis got his first taste of having his art exhibited in a professional gallery in 2019. He loved the program and experience so much he submitted his art for the next two years after that – and was selected both times. He encourages “…every young artist to submit a piece to Young at Art because it is the first step of what could become a great career path.”

In 2026, the program is growing again. A new film and video category has been added, more artworks are being displayed and a $500 post-secondary bursary is being piloted this year to support graduating participants continuing their education in creative arts programs.

“Programs like Young at Art are so important because they support the next generation of artists,” says Caro Stewart of the Ottawa Art Gallery.

This year’s exhibition will take place at the Shenkman Arts Centre, Trinity Art Gallery (Salons A and B), from May 14 to June 8. A vernissage will also be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm that is open to the public. 

For more information on the Young at Art program, including more details on the exhibition, visit ottawa.ca/en/youngatart.