Americans for the Arts has commissioned field experts to produce a set of seven landscape analyses about key topics within youth development. These papers identify trends in creative youth development, share recommendations for CYD practitioners, and suggest areas for future exploration.
The areas of focus of these papers are:
- Program Development
- Advocacy and Policy
- Working in Social Justice
- Program Evaluation
- Preparing Artists & Educators
- Working with Youth
- Funding, Sustainability, and Partnerships
The second landscape analysis to be released is Trends in Creative Youth Development Programs, by Denise Montgomery.
From the Author:
Creative youth development is a dynamic field. A fierce commitment to young people actively shaping programs and to programs reflecting ever-changing communities, coupled with reflection and refinement, means that CYD program practices are continuously in development.
Drawing on the youth development literature, literature specific to creative youth development, and exchanges with CYD practitioners, in this landscape analysis I discuss five current trends in CYD program development. These five trends include: Holistic Approaches Growing as Needs Grow, Collaboration Across Sectors, New Generation of Program Staff with New Approaches, Scaling by Depth, and Establishing Creative Career Pathways. What forces are catalyzing these trends, and what do they look like in practice? Check out this quick read to find out more. The paper also includes an overview of the historical foundation of CYD program development and a summary of underpinning research.
Following discussion of the trends, you will find recommendations for action and for further exploration. As the field is ever-evolving, I invite you to be in communication regarding your work in creative youth development with any comments, ideas, and practices you would like to share or perhaps jointly explore at dmontgomery@culturethrive.com.
Read the “Trends in Creative Youth Development Programs” landscape analysis (PDF)