Symposia was created as a response to the systemic challenges faced by racialized youth in the arts.

“For many of us, the inability to access resources, attend art events, or receive financial support for our own ventures has limited our artistic aspirations. As first and second generation immigrants, our parents were often focused on survival, not on supporting creative careers. We see a connection that many BIPOC youth hesitate or dismiss the idea that art could be a viable career option and we want to change that.”

Symposia was formed to act as a bridge between marginalized youth and the artistic world, Symposia creates events and programs for and by racialized youth. By partnering with established arts organization, Symposia integrates BIPOC youth into cultural spaces where they can grow, express themselves, and take up space. The overarching goal is to support a community of BIPOC youth who engage with the arts, using their personal narratives and world views to create new, diversified arts and cultural spaces.