Lexington Youth Arts Council

LEXINGTON YOUTH ARTS COUNCIL

Application
Lexington Youth Arts Council
School Year: 2025-26 

The Lexington Youth Arts Council (YAC) is a dynamic initiative that empowers young people across Fayette County to become visionary leaders and active contributors to the arts. Open to students ages 14 to 18 from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds, YAC is a vibrant space where youth voices shape the cultural landscape of Fayette County. 

Through hands-on experiences, YAC members gain leadership, critical thinking, and cultural organizing skills while collaborating on real-world arts initiatives. Participants work closely with LexArts and Fayette County Public Schools staff to design youth-focused programs, curate events, and create meaningful learning opportunities that reflect the diverse experiences of young people in the arts. 

By meeting bi-weekly at the FCPS Downtown Office (701 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40502), members engage in creative planning, community building, and arts advocacy. Their work not only amplifies youth perspectives but also helps cultivate the next generation of artists, audiences, and cultural leaders. 

Whether you're passionate about visual arts, music, theater, dance, or creative writing, the Youth Arts Council offers a platform to make your voice heard, build lasting connections, and drive change through creativity. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to LexArts’ Special Programs Manager, Arden Barnes at abarnes@lexarts.org.

Eligibility:
- Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 18 and attend school in Fayette County.
- Students from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds are welcome.
- Students must be in good academic standing. (2.5 GPA or better)
Deadline:
Applications must be submitted by November 1st, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST. Late submissions will not be considered.

Selection Process:
- Applications will be reviewed by LexArts and FCPS staff.
- Students must have parental/guardian approval to participate.
- Must have a recommendation from an arts teacher or instructor.
Notification:
Accepted members will be notified by December 1st-2nd, 2025, and the first meeting will be held December 17th, 2025, at 12:00 pm at LexArts.

Important Dates:  

YAC Virtual Info Session
September 25th, 2025, 4:00 pm EST (Link will be provided)  
 
YAC Application Due 
November 1st, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST 
 
YAC Notifications 
December 1st-2nd, 2025 
 
YAC Meet & Greet 
December 17th, 2025, 12:00 pm 
Location: LexArts (ArtsPlace)  
161 North Mill Street, Lexington, KY, 40507
*School excuse and lunch will be provided. Transportation to LexArts is NOT provided.

YAC Bi-Weekly Meeting Dates
All meetings will be held bi-weekly at the FCPS Downtown Office: 701 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40502 at 4:00 pm, unless notified otherwise.

January 8th, 2026
January 22, 2026
February 3rd, 2026 (Date changed to accommodate KMEA All-State)
February 19th, 2026
March 5th, 2026
March 19th, 2026
April 2nd, 2026
April 16th, 2026 (Zoom to allow for asynchronous work on Final Showcase)
April 30th, 2026
May 9th, 2026 - Final Showcase

Required Documentation

Consent for Outside Traceable Communications
To ensure proper processing of the Consent for Outside Traceable Communications form, the parent/guardian must sign the prefilled form provided below. Once completed, the signed form must be uploaded to the designated submission portal by the specified deadline.

The prefilled form can also be downloaded here: Prefilled 181 Consent Form

Student Information
Name*

First NameLast Name
School Email (FCPS students must provide their school email address)*
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Date of Birth *
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
School Name*
Are you a home school student?*

YesNo
Grade*
Expected Graduation Year*
Grade Point Average (GPA) *

Parent or Guardian Contact Information

If student has been accepted as a council member, the parent would also be contacted.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Questionnaire
Please list your interest/experience with the arts*
Please list your extracurricular activities *
Why would you be a good addition to the Youth Arts Council?*

Teacher Recommendation/Reference
Teacher or Instructor's Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.

Consent for Outside Traceable Communications

To ensure proper processing of the Consent for Outside Traceable Communications form, the parent/guardian must sign the prefilled form provided below. Once completed, the signed form must be uploaded to the designated submission portal by the specified deadline.
SB181 Traceable Communications
Through Senate Bill 181, state law now requires all school districts in Kentucky to implement a traceable communications platform to be “the exclusive means for school district employees and volunteers to communicate electronically with students.”

To meet the mandate of SB181 and improve two-way communication, the Fayette County Board of Education approved the use of ParentSquare at its May 2025 action meeting. Without a waiver on file at school, the only other legal ways to communicate with students is through their parents/guardians or via FCPS email, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Canvas, or Infinite Campus. *

For more information, please visit this webpage: https://www.fcps.net/families/parent-resources/sb181-traceable-communications

Important: To preserve the information you've entered, please save your application using the button below, or copy the link below and paste it into a new browser tab or window. This will ensure your data remains intact during navigation.
Please download the prefilled form below and add in your or your students information. Then please upload the completed and signed form to the file upload box below.
The prefilled form can also be downloaded here: Prefilled 181 Consent Form
File Upload*

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Commitment Agreements
By submitting this application, I acknowledge that the Lexington Youth Arts Council meets bi-weekly during the 2025–26 school year at the FCPS Downtown Office (701 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40502). I understand the importance of consistent participation and agree to make every effort to attend scheduled meetings and actively contribute to Council activities. I commit to honoring this schedule and communicating promptly with program staff if any conflicts arise.*

Yes
By submitting this application, I confirm that my parent or legal guardian is aware of my interest in joining the Lexington Youth Arts Council and has given permission for me to participate in all scheduled meetings and activities during the 2025–26 school year. I understand that regular attendance and engagement are expected, and my parent/guardian supports my commitment to this program.*

Yes
By submitting this application, I acknowledge that photos and/or videos may be taken during Lexington Youth Arts Council meetings and events. I grant permission for LexArts and Fayette County Public Schools to use my image, likeness, and/or voice in promotional materials, including but not limited to websites, social media, newsletters, and print publications. I understand that these materials may be used to highlight the work and impact of the Youth Arts Council and will not be used for commercial purposes.*

Yes
Should be Empty:

LEXINGTON YOUTH ARTS COUNCIL

Student Information

Parent or Guardian Contact Information

Questionnaire

Teacher Recommendation/Reference

Consent for Outside Traceable Communications

Commitment Agreements