“We are all excited to recognize and support excellence in arts education at this unique event,” said Kim Dabbs, executive director of the Michigan Youth Arts Association. “The participants merit recognition for their achievements in the arts and in the educational process. The Youth Arts Festival provides a unique opportunity to celebrate our commitment to arts education and to appreciate the contributions the arts make to the growth of our society.”

The Festival is the culmination of a 9-month search for the finest artistic talent in Michigan high schools. More than 250,000 students across the state are involved in the adjudication process which results in nearly 1,000 being invited to participate in the Festival. While at the Festival, students share their talents with their peers and the public through performances and exhibitions. In addition, the students benefit from educational rehearsals, workshops and master classes presented by distinguished working professionals in the arts. Creative writing, dance, film/video, instrumental and vocal music, theatre and visual arts are included in the three-day event.

Guidelines for participation can be downloaded at www.myaf.org

About the Michigan Youth Arts Association

The Michigan Youth Arts Association (MYAA) is a statewide arts education association that serves as a collaborative of discipline-specific arts education organizations. MYAA offers statewide arts education programming, strengthens arts and culture by establishing and facilitating partnerships between arts education organizations, increases the visibility of quality arts education in Michigan schools, nurtures the
creative talents of Michigan’s youth, encourages their present and future participation in the arts, and provides them with opportunities to explore careers in the arts. For more information on how to join, volunteer, connect or donate to the Michigan Youth Arts Association, call (248) 649-8888 or visit www.myaf.org