Empowering Youth Voices: Inside the First Meeting of New Cottage Arts’ Youth Advisory

Date: October 8, 2025
By: Victor Ngo-Smith, Founder/Executive Director: New Cottage Arts

At New Cottage Arts, we believe that youth should not only participate in the arts—but lead through them. That’s why we’re thrilled to share highlights from the first-ever meeting of our Youth Advisory Council (YAC), held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at our NCA Studio in North Denver.

This new council brings together young leaders from across NCA’s programs to shape the future of our work—through creativity, collaboration, and courage. YAC members will advise on programming, participate in leadership training, and represent youth perspectives at community events, including our upcoming NCA Presents: A Night to Give, A Night to Shine! showcase on December 6.

Building Community and Voice

The meeting began with breathing and centering, snacks, and introductions led by Sol Aldinger, NCA’s Development Coordinator and YAC Facilitator. Youth shared their names, pronouns, and favorite things to do around Denver—creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Through quick “speed round” questions—like “What kind of art or music do you love?” and “What would you change about your school?”—students immediately started connecting through their creativity, humor, and imagination.

“It felt really comfortable. Everyone was so supportive and open.”
— YAC Member Reflection

Discovering Purpose Through Art

Next, youth dove into an art-making activity called “Visualizing Your NCA Journey,” guided by Sol. Using color, shapes, and abstract forms, each participant reflected on their experiences in NCA programs and what the arts mean to them.

“My art shows how music makes me feel calm and happy”
— Student Artist Statement

This creative exercise opened a conversation about leadership—what empowerment, success, and teamwork look like, and how young people can help solve problems they see in their schools and communities.

Learning How Nonprofits Work

The council then welcomed guest speaker Karen Wainscott from Community Centric Development (CCD), who led a mini-workshop on “What is a Nonprofit?” Youth learned how organizations like NCA are built—from funding to community partnerships—and discussed how their own voices can help grow arts access citywide.

Karen also previewed NCA Presents, inviting YAC members to help promote and co-lead the event, where they’ll showcase student talent, visual art, and community projects for families, funders, and local partners.

A Conversation with NCA’s Founder

NCA Founder and Executive Director Victor Ngo-Smith shared his own journey building NCA—from teaching in living rooms and community centers to launching free, year-round arts programs across Denver. He asked students:

  • “Who here has been part of an NCA program?”

  • “What have you learned about yourself through art or music?”

  • “What do you dream of creating next?”

Youth responded with stories of friendship, confidence, and discovery:

“NCA helped me find my voice—literally and creatively.”

Early Impact: What Youth Said

Following the meeting, NCA collected short evaluation surveys. Here’s what youth shared about their first experience as part of YAC:

  • 100% felt welcome and included.

  • 90% said they learned something new about how nonprofits and community arts organizations work.

  • 95% said they feel more confident sharing their ideas and opinions with adults.

  • 100% said they want to attend the next meeting and help plan NCA events.

Top themes that emerged:

  • Belonging: “It feels like a community where my ideas matter.”

  • Leadership: “I want to help organize something for the December showcase.”

  • Creativity: “Art can tell our story in ways words can’t.”

What’s Next

YAC members are already helping plan the next meeting in October, where they’ll choose council roles, brainstorm guest speakers, and design ways to engage other youth in leadership and advocacy through the arts.

They’ll also be taking the stage at NCA Presents: A Night to Give, A Night to Shine! on Saturday, December 6, 2025, where youth voices will lead the show—from performances to storytelling to live art-making.


Why It Matters

The Youth Advisory Council is more than a meeting—it’s a movement. By putting youth at the center of decision-making, NCA is redefining what it means to lead, create, and belong. Through YAC, young people are not only shaping the future of NCA—they’re shaping the future of arts leadership in Denver.

Interested in getting involved or supporting NCA’s youth leadership initiatives?
👉 Visit www.newcottagearts.org or email info@newcottagearts.org to learn how you can sponsor youth leadership programs or volunteer as a mentor.

#YouthVoice #ArtsForAll #CommunityLeadership #NewCottageArts #NCAyouth

Victor Ngo-Smith