While Arts Programs Get Cut, Youth Art Exchange Is Expanding

A quiet revolution is when local organizations and individuals create more opportunities that give others skills and hope for a better future. While we all too often hear about programs being cut or scaled back due to lack of funding, I’m happy to report that San Francisco’s own Youth Art Exchange (YAX) has expanded its offerings to include adult classes as well as workshops, exhibitions, and public events which sit right alongside the youth programming they are best known for.

Youth Art Exchange is one of the true heart beats of San Francisco’s local art scene. They have such a wide variety of classes and offerings, many of which are absolutely FREE! YAX removes barriers that too often keep young people from creative exploration. Removing barriers and giving access to these students unlocks possibility and gives them a guiding light that can positively shape the life of the students who participate.

Since 2000, Youth Art Exchange has mostly been operating in shared art spaces. But, recently they have expanded into two new locations. When speaking with Youth Art Exchange Program Director Raffaella Falchi Macias, she expounded on these efforts, saying:

“We've been operating in borrowed, shared, and temporary spaces - at last count, 49! And now we're launching permanent homes of our own in the Mission and Excelsior on the ground floor of Mission Housing Development Corporation's two new 100% affordable housing sites. These two new spaces increase our ability to offer more youth and community members of all ages places to learn, gather - and thrive. This is a creative model of resident services and an exciting way for YAX to contribute to housing security for low income families and families who have experienced homelessness.”

YAX is a true inspiration as to what you can do with the power of community. Their programming extends beyond classrooms into public art projects, cultural celebrations, exhibitions, and community events that reflect and honor the identities of the communities they serve and strengthen the cultural community.

When I learned that their programming would be expanding beyond just youth programming and will now include adult programming, Raffaella let me know that the addition of adult programming is just the tip of the iceberg. With the launch of their new locations there will now be two art centers. The community can expect to see photography darkrooms, a printshop, expanded community programming (such as family drumming), more art classes for a wider range of people, youth art party bookings, summer art camps, and more—many of which will remain free or low-cost to keep access affordable and inclusive for the broader community. 

YAX started in 2000 to fill in the gap for local high-school aged teenagers who did not have meaningful access to arts education within their community. For over 25 years, YAX has focused on arts education and youth development - creating opportunities for young people that helped them find pathways toward creative expression and personal growth through art. They are likely most known as a multi-disciplinary in-school and after-school program with classes that focus on skills such as architecture, photography, fashion design, and more.

Youth Art Exchange has been putting in the work! Just last year, YAX served over 450 students citywide, supported more than 30 working artists, and welcomed over 7,500 attendees to their events. Raffaella went on to talk more about the youth programing by saying:

“We provide spaces and resources to diverse artists to pop up, teach, hold events, and exhibit. We present free events, exhibitions, and cultural workshops including for Día de los Muertos, Lunar New Year, Black History Month, Carnaval, and LGBTQIA+ Pride, led by artists from those communities. 

Our core youth programming is free for San Francisco public high school students to increase accessibility to the arts. We also have an active Youth Advisory Board, teaching assistantships, and alumni internships. Our programs provide a safe space for youth to build positive relationships, develop a foundation in the arts, connect to cultural traditions, and make San Francisco thrive.”

Raffaella went on to discuss the types of programming that have uplifted students and helped them connect with the larger community during their time at Youth Art Exchange and how they continue to stay involved at the community level even after their time at YAX. She shared:

“Many alumni come back to join our staff or as a faculty artist. Our ED started as a teaching artist in 2006, we have several program staff and faculty artists who were alumni of our programs. Many of our alumni come back and tell us that the time that they were in our programs changed their lives, even if they didn’t pursue a career in the arts.

Our youth work on many public art projects that become part of our city’s fabric and encourage our young artists to be civically engaged. (i.e.) our youth architecture program completed the first youth designed + built parklet project in San Francisco. Other public projects include Dragon Installation at the Asian Art Museum, Carnaval Floats for the SF Carnaval Parade, Utility Box Art Wraps, Murals, etc.

Plus, our Youth Advisory Board lets students shape the organization—participating in staff meetings, hiring, and event planning. This combination of breadth, accessibility, and youth agency is what makes YAX unique.”

YAX is important because it removes barriers for students and community members who otherwise would not have access to art education. They are working to create a stronger and more inclusive San Francisco. While so many communities are struggling to hold onto creative spaces, YAX stands as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when access, intention, and community come together.

Youth Art Exchange is a community art hub which is known as Youth Art Exchange, YAX, YAX Studios and Yax Art Center. You can find them online and in three locations within San Francisco. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youthartx
IG: @youthartx
Website: https://www.youthartexchange.org

Locations: 
1950 Mission, San Francisco
2330 San Jose, San Francisco 
400 Geneva, San Francisco