The Creative Youth & Community Development research initiative, commissioned by ArtPlace America and led by Creative Generation, seeks to explore the intersections of arts & culture, community development, and youth development through community based, youth- and practitioner-led research. In 2020, the initiative produced a series of web-based tools and resources created by and for practitioners operating in this intersecting space, including nine case stories authored by youth and adult teams. Youth created written narratives describing impact and artistic works to articulate their perspectives.
This publication was authored by Jose García and Cesar Lopez.
Damaging narratives regarding the United States/Mexico border birthed SEEDS Border Youth Dialogue, a center for youth engagement, leadership, and local arts incubation in Nogales, Arizona. The center offers documentary arts mentoring with youth, artist- and scholar-in-residence programs, and co-working lab space for young leaders and entrepreneurs. It represents an innovative partnership between the Southwest Folklife Alliance, the University of Arizona, and individuals and organizations in Nogales.