Our mission is to inspire creativity, kindness, and confidence in our youth through artistic expression and mutual respect. “Do art. Be kind.”
For 25 years, Youth Arts Collective (YAC) has been a home for creativity, belonging, and transformation for young artists across Monterey County. Founded on the vision of artist-mentors Marcia Perry and Meg Biddle, YAC has supported over 1500 emerging artists with access to studio space, mentorship, and a creative community that celebrates diverse identities and lived experiences. Through its LGBTQ-affirming and equity-centered approach, YAC cultivates resilience and creative confidence in youth, many of whom call it their second home. This year’s campaign honors our alumni, celebrates our impact, and looks ahead to a future of expanded reach and deeper support.
Our vision is to expand our capacity to support today’s and tomorrow’s youth through trauma-informed mentorship practices and inclusive spaces that affirm identity and build resilience. Your support helps ensure that YAC continues to be a vital resource for generations of young creatives to come.
Any young artist living in Monterey County with a desire to pursue their art outside school is welcome at YAC. They must be between the ages of 14 and 22, and currently enrolled in high school or college. While geography can be a limiting factor, YACsters find ways to attend our program from all over the county, including Soledad, Castroville, and Salinas. The artwork produced at YAC has ripple effects from our bustling Monterey studio across the county, with YACsters participating in art shows and spreading the word about YAC as a haven and hub for young creatives. YACster art is vibrant, vulnerable, and honest, enriching the Monterey Arts Community through four annual gallery shows, local events, and festivals. Alumni of our program continue to contribute to the Monterey County arts community through mural projects, gallery shows, local theater productions, and more.
I want to be here all the time. YAC is the nice warm house I walk into from the rain and craziness I feel outside. I will be listened to and heard here. YAC opens up safe doors for young artists, when they might not have one in their life or surrounding community.
- Margaux Tybos Casales, Monterey
