OUR MISSION:
Empowering NYC youth to rise above adversity by teaching them creative skills promoting future leadership within the creative industries.
WE C.R.E.A.T.E. SUCCESS!
The Creative Youth Society is a transformative career exploration initiative designed to empower young adults between the ages of 16 to 24. We service all youth, with a primary focus on those who are disenfranchised, including youth dealing with justice involvement, foster care, financial instability, and housing instability. We guide participants through a journey of skill development, industry exposure, and career advancement in their chosen creative fields. Our interdisciplinary program offers hands-on training in skills such as visual & fine arts, music, graphic design, photography & video, immersive & emerging technology, fashion, D.I.Y. craftsmanship, exhibition & curation, as well as creative entrepreneurship. We also provide invaluable mentorship, resume writing, job interview preparation, and networking opportunities to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the creative industry of their choice.
View our 2024 Program Highlights Guide by clicking HERE
The Creative Ambassadors Photo Project:
The Creative Ambassadors Project is a social photo project created by photographer and Creative Youth Society founder, Sharon Miller. This ongoing photo project focuses on empowering the voices of underserved NYC creative youth ages 13-24, by presenting them in powerful photographic editorial style portraits based on their creative career aspirations. The goal of The Creative Ambassadors Project is to shine a light on and inspire overlooked artistic youth, invoke conversations about improving economic accessibility, as well as to help break society’s negative perceptions of youth adversity.
Above Photo: Creative Ambassador Linda from The Creative Ambassadors Photo Project (Series #2)
AWARDS & HIGHLIGHTS
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Winner of the NeOn Arts Award
2019
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Winner of the NeOn Arts Award
2020
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Winner of the NeOn Arts Award
2023
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Winner of the NeOn Arts Award
2024
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Works of Creative Youth Society Members Selected & Featured in Photoville, NYC
2023
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Founder Sharon Miller is the Winner of the NYFA/NYSCA FY2024 Grant Award
2024
CYS Member Spotlight
Meet Creative Youth Society Member Niara!
“I am a multi-faceted creative; painting, video editing, event production, sculpture and writing are my main mediums. I love to express either the same idea translated in different ways, or explore new ideas through the lens of my own experiences.”
Our Programs & Services
Please click the button below to learn about The Creative Youth Society’s programs and services.
Above Photo: Creative Youth Society Members, and CYS founder Sharon Miller standing in front of their featured photo exhibit at Photoville, NYC
Please click the button below to learn about CYS news, updates, upcoming events & announcements!
News, Updates & Events!
Become a Creative Youth Society Member!
Are you a NYC youth between the ages of 16-24 interested in empowering your creativity? Do you want to meet other creatives like you, learn different artistic skills, such as visual arts, DIY/crafts, photography, and more? Would you like to go on creative field trips, and possibly even learn how to start your own art business? The Creative Youth Society may be a great community for you to join! We are a community of mentors and creatives focused on teaching young emerging artists how to be their best creative selves and all of our programming is FREE! If interested, please fill out the form below. Thank you!