Creating space through art: youth leadership in practice
Finding voice through creative expression
For Baron Zhang, art began as a way to make sense of change.
After moving to the United States from China during the COVID-19 pandemic, he found himself adjusting to a new environment while feeling disconnected from what was familiar. During that time, art became a steady point of focus.
“Art was my favorite hobby when I first moved here,” he shared. “It helped me express myself and understand the new world around me.”
What started as a personal outlet gradually shifted. Baron began sharing his work more publicly, entering competitions and eventually organizing his own exhibition. That experience led him to think about how access to creative spaces is often uneven, and how many young people do not have opportunities to share their work in visible ways.
In response, he founded Empower Youth Art, an initiative focused on creating accessible platforms for young people to express themselves through art.
“I started Empower Youth Art to help youth feel heard and valued,” he said. “Especially those who might not otherwise have access to spaces like this.”
Expanding access through Empower Youth Art
Through Empower Youth Art, Baron has focused on creating opportunities that extend beyond individual expression. The initiative centers on making space for young people to share their work publicly, especially those who may not otherwise have access to those platforms.
Over the past year, that work has taken shape through a series of community-based art contests and exhibitions. In partnership with local organizations and schools, these efforts have invited students to reflect on themes tied to identity and experience. A recent Lunar New Year art contest explored ideas of change and new beginnings, while an earlier collaboration during San Francisco’s Chinatown Winter Wonderland focused on cultural traditions and personal rituals. Students from programs and schools across the city, including CYC, APACC, Gum Moon, and several San Francisco public schools, took part.
These opportunities are designed not only to highlight finished work, but to make the process of creating and sharing art more accessible. By opening up entry points, the initiative creates space for young people who may be exploring art for the first time.
“It fills my heart to give youth a stage to share their art publicly where they can be seen and heard.”
Shaping ideas through art
That approach led to the creation of the World Peace Art Contest.
The theme reflects questions Baron has been thinking about in recent years. “There are a lot of conflicts in the world right now,” he said. “I wanted to create something that encourages young people to think about what’s happening around them.”
At the same time, the goal is not to direct those ideas. It is to create space for interpretation.
“Art is a reflection,” Baron said. “It’s a way to express emotions and ideas in a meaningful way.”
A reflection of what’s possible
Over the past few months, it has been an honor to witness Baron’s work take shape. From developing Empower Youth Art to organizing opportunities for other young people, his efforts reflect something CYC sees every day: young people bring insight, initiative, and the ability to create meaningful change in their communities.
This is how leadership often begins. Not with a title, but with an idea and the willingness to act on it in a way that creates space for others.
Baron’s work is one example of that in practice.
Connecting back to community
Baron’s connection to CYC made it a natural place to share this work. His own experience as an immigrant shapes how he approaches community and access.
“I can relate to a lot of the young people here,” he said. “CYC has been supportive of me, and I wanted to bring something back.”
Through this partnership, Empower Youth Art and CYC are working to reach students who may not always have access to creative opportunities, but who have perspectives worth sharing.
An invitation to participate
The World Peace Art Contest creates space for young people to reflect on what peace means to them and to share that perspective through their work.
Submissions are now open to K–12 students in San Francisco. This is an opportunity to take part in a broader conversation, one shaped by the ideas, experiences, and creativity of young people across the city.
Learn more and submit artwork here