Halton Hills youngsters who want to see themselves in the local landscape can now join the Town’s Culture Days Youth Committee.
The committee is a new initiative. As the name suggests, it's a chance for students to shape this fall’s Culture Days - a national celebration of arts and culture - in their image.
Much like many initiatives spotlighting youths, leadership, learning and fostering creativity is the name of the game, alongside creating programming for all local young people. Once ideas begin to crystalize, staff will help the youth access funding and show them how to take their input and make it tangible.
“We did a bit of a brainstorming session with those participants and they came up with some fantastic ideas," said Town Cultural Program Producer Pearl Schachter, noting some of their concepts were "much better" than what Town staff suggested.
A thrifting fashion show was one such idea, but discussions pertaining to theatre and music are also on the table.
The group - comprised of students in grades 9 to 11 - had its first meeting online last week, and the Town is hoping to have three more sessions before the summer and one in the fall prior to the big September 20 kick-off.
Participation in the committee can go toward students’ graduation volunteer hours, which can be accumulated for the meetings themselves and participating in the events they create. The number of hours may vary depending on the event and level of participation, but staff estimate they will get between eight and 14 hours.
Youth who want to take part in the committee can e-mail Emma Forbes at [email protected].
Also on the Culture Days front, but not just for youth, the Town is hosting an information session tomorrow (May 22) at 6 p.m. in the Studio at Halton Hills Public Library and Cultural Centre. The session will give all interested local residents a chance to meet the Culture Days team, get a sneak peek into what's new for 2024, become involved and ask questions.
More information on Culture Days can be found at CultureDays.ca.
