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The 2026 Youth Art Summit brings together young artists, arts organizations, creative businesses, educators, and community members for a day centered on youth creativity and opportunity. This annual event creates space for connection, collaboration, and visibility across San Francisco’s youth arts ecosystem.

Youth Art Summit 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 9, at YAX Studios at La Fénix in the Mission (1950 Mission Street).

In 2026, the Summit will also include an Avenue Green Light Art Market, expanding the event into a public marketplace featuring youth artists from Hilltop selling handmade goods, and creative products. The Summit and Market bring exhibitions, resources, and opportunities into one shared space.

The event will feature youth art exhibitions, live performances, hands-on workshops, resource tables, portfolio and college guidance, and a community art market.

2026 Participating Orgs

Lick-Wilmerding High School || BAVC Media || San Francisco Rock Project || Today’s Future Sound || St. James School || Rooftop School || Youth Spirit Artworks || De Marillac Academy || Problem Library || Museum of Children's Art || Root Division || Youth Speaks || Lakeshore Elementary || Brightworks elementary K through 12 || San Francisco Pacific Academy || SFFS MS Jazz Band || Mission Dolores Academy || AEABA || DCYF || City Studio || Hilltop HS || Jamestown

The Youth Art Summit welcomes…

• Youth artists exhibiting visual work

• Performers sharing music, dance, theater, and spoken word

• Arts organizations and youth-serving nonprofits

• Creative businesses and industry professionals

• Educators, families, and community supporters

Everyone gathers with a shared goal: to strengthen and support youth art in San Francisco.

The Youth Arts Summit Focus Group is an opportunity to hear directly from San Francisco youth about their experiences in the city, in their schools, and within arts education. Taking place on Friday, May 8 from 4:30–6:30pm, this session is designed to center youth voice in shaping the future of arts programming, advocacy, and community investment. Participants will be invited to share their perspectives, challenges, and ideas for what they want to see in San Francisco—especially when it comes to access, opportunity, and creative expression.

This conversation will help inform the direction of Youth Art Exchange’s programming and broader efforts to uplift youth leadership in the arts across the Bay Area. Space is limited, and all participants who attend the full session will receive a $100 stipend. Food will be provided.

Any Youth who want to participate can RSVP with the QR code or CLICK HERE

Ways to participate in Youth Art Summit 2026…

• Exhibit artwork or submit performances

• Lead a workshop or activity

• Table and share resources

• Bring youth to attend and engage

• Partner with us in shaping the event

Whether you are a young artist, a mentor, an organization, or a supporter, the summit is a space to show up for youth creativity in action.

For advocacy effort inquiries contact Raffaella Falchi-Macias at raffaella@youthartexchange.org