In July 2023, the Office of Arts and Culture launched San Mateo County’s Youth Cultural Ambassador Program was designed to encourage youth to:
- Foster a love of arts as a vehicle for self-expression and civic engagement among young people in San Mateo County.
- Build community through arts and culture with the goal of greater youth involvement in the community.
- Highlight the role of arts and culture in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) and other public discourse.
Seven Youth Ambassadors were selected for a one-year term from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024. They were tasked to develop and execute an arts/culture-related project that would engage the community. The projects would focus on themes such as identity and belonging; mental health and healing; environment and sustainability; education and learning. Students were encouraged to collaborate with libraries, schools, or other organizations.
The Youth Cultural Ambassador Program (YCA) and the events listed below are supported by the San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture and directed by San Mateo County Poet Laureate Emerita, Aileen Cassinetto.
BRIDGES OF WELLNESS WORKSHOPS & OPEN MIC
December 7, 2023 - April 18, 2024,
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm (Upper-Level Meeting Room)
Open Mic on April 27, 2024,1:00pm (Lane Room)
Burlingame Public Library
480 Primrose Rd, Burlingame
Teens and Seniors 60+ are invited to join us for a series of intergenerational poetry workshops centering on mental health. Facilitated by Lauren Lin, San Mateo County Youth Poetry Ambassador and Burlingame-Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate. 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 4:30 pm, December 7, 2023, through April 18, 2024. No previous poetry experience is needed! The series will culminate with an open mic on April 27, 2024, at 1:00pm in the Lane Room.
This event is in partnership with the Burlingame Public Library.
OUR SHARED STORIES ART SHOW AND RECEPTION
January 20, 2024
2:00pm - 4:00 pm
Foster City Library
1000 E Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City
This project created by Youth Cultural Ambassador, Alex Carreon, features artwork from Jose Angel Bahena Sanchez, Alex Carreon, Dony Aguilar, Kyra Chen, Tamar Dayagi, Valerie Lin, Agnes Qiu, Jocelyn Zhu, and Julie Stock's art students from San Mateo High School.
Dive into the world of "Our Shared Stories: A Multicultural Art Showcase” which provides a captivating platform for individuals of all cultures to express their unique narratives through art. Join us in spotlighting the diverse stories of talented artists from across San Mateo County as they showcase their creativity and cultural pride. We cannot wait to celebrate the rich and varied experiences that make our community truly special.
This event is in partnership with Foster City Library and Friends of the Foster City Library.
DANCING ACROSS THE WORLD
January 28, 2024
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Filoli Historic House & Garden
Ballroom
86 Cañada Rd, Woodside
Please save the date for a spring dance cultural performance curated by Amelia Chen, San Mateo County Youth Cultural Ambassador.
This event is in partnership with Filoli Historic House & Garden.
KID MAKERS: PAINTING BANQUET
March 2, 2024
2:00pm - 3:00 pm
Redwood City Downtown Library
Makerspace
1044 Middlefield Road, Redwood City
What happens when you combine art, science, and food? Join us for a special event hosted by Claire Sonnenburg, San Mateo County Youth Cultural Ambassador to experience the power of art and food to bridge cultural divides. Students will create a masterpiece that harmoniously blends the realms of art, science, and gastronomy employing the vibrant hues of natural pigments to illuminate the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. Also, claim your copy of “Who Was Ruth Bader Ginsburg?” while supplies last.
This event is in partnership with the Redwood City Public Library and Friends of the Redwood City Public Library.
A CONCERT FOR YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
April 12, 2024
6:00 pm - 7:00pm
San Mateo Public Library
Oak Room
55 W. Third Ave., San Mateo
Please save the date for a concert curated by San Mateo Youth Cultural Ambassadors Mikaela George and Keiya Wada to raise awareness of youth mental health.
This event is in partnership with the San Mateo Public Library.
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
April 27, 2024
1:00 pm - 2:30pm
Burlingame Public Library
Reading Room
480 Primrose Road, Burlingame
Hosted by San Mateo County Youth Poet Laureate, Lauren Lin, this event will feature poets from the 2023/2024 Community Poetry Open Mic Series and the Bridges of Wellness Intergenerational Poetry Workshop. Experience the vibrant spirit of our local community of poets! Refreshments provided by Dragonfly Community Arts.
This event is in partnership with the Burlingame Public Library Foundation.
YOUTH MUSICIAN COMPETITION
June 11, 2024
Doors open at 5:00 pm
Menlo Atherton Center for Performing Arts, 555 Middlefield Rd., Atherton
Join us for an unforgettable evening dedicated to the musical brilliance of young classical musicians from San Mateo County! This concert is curated by San Mateo County Youth Cultural Ambassador Daniel Strebulaev in celebration of youth excellence in the performing arts.
This event is in partnership with the Gooddler Foundation.