ABOUT
Empower
Youth Music
THE EYM APPROACH
Through mentorship, collaborative artistic projects and experiential arts programs, we equip young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to advocate for themselves and their communities. Our programs emphasize partnership, dialogue, and hands-on artistic experiences, enabling youth to create works that reflect their unique stories and perspectives.
By engaging in ‘EYM Projects’, participants develop as artists, learn how to inspire others, navigate challenges, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
How we select artists and projects
At Empower Youth Music (EYM), every artist collaboration and project we take on is intentional. Our process is guided by a clear set of values, ensuring that each initiative meaningfully supports youth, strengthens communities, and aligns with our mission.
All EYM initiatives are rooted in the following core principles:
Youth-Centred
Young people are at the heart of everything we do. Projects must meaningfully engage youth as creators, collaborators, or learners—not just audiences.
Access & Equity
We prioritize initiatives that reduce barriers to participation, particularly for youth who face social, economic, geographic, or cultural obstacles to music education and creative opportunities.
Artistic Integrity
We value high-quality, authentic artistic work. Projects should respect the creative voices of both youth and professional artists, and avoid tokenism or superficial engagement.
Relationship-Based
We build projects through trust, collaboration, and long-term relationships with artists, educators, community partners, and youth.
Cultural Respect & Representation
We actively support projects that honour diverse cultures, lived experiences, and identities, with particular respect for Indigenous voices and local communities.
Positive Social Impact
Music is a tool for connection, healing, and change. Projects should contribute to personal growth, community wellbeing, or broader social awareness.
Our guiding principles
SUPPORTERS & PARTNERS.
Empower Youth Music is proud to collaborate with a network of supporters and partners who share our vision for empowering youth through the arts. Our partners include music schools, local businesses, professional artists and passionate individuals who are dedicated to enriching the lives of young people through music. We are grateful for their ongoing support.
