Youth advisory board established at Confederation Centre of the Arts

February 19, 2025 – Ten Island residents passionate about culture and community have formed the inaugural youth advisory board at Confederation Centre of the Arts.

Last year, the Centre conducted a community engagement survey that showed the need to do more to engage with two groups in particular; people under 40, and people who are new to the Island. As one response to these findings, the Centre recently asked a few young leaders in the community to put together a youth advisory board (YAB) of people under 30 who would be interested in helping Confederation Centre of the Arts connect with more youth. The resulting board of ten will meet quarterly with management and provide advice and guidance on connecting the Centre to a younger adult population. They will report to the CEO and board of directors about various initiatives, and will help promote awareness and engagement of Centre programming, particularly among the members’ peers.

“We are excited to introduce this dynamic group of young voices from Prince Edward Island who are dedicated to helping the Centre shape its future,” says Centre CEO Steve Bellamy. “With their diverse perspectives and creative ideas, they will play a vital role in ensuring the Centre remains inclusive, relevant, and engaging for the next generation. In return, we are providing mentorship and engagement opportunities for YAB members throughout the Centre.”

The first chair of the advisory board is Shreesh Agrawal, a fourth-year economics and philosophy student at the University of Prince Edward Island. Originally from Tanzania, he serves as vice president external of the UPEI Student Union and has also served as a member of the UPEI Board of Governors.

“The Centre has so much to offer younger adults, not only in visual and performing arts, but as a place where major issues affecting this country can be discussed and where solutions can be explored,” said Agrawal. “The long-term sustainability of the Centre is tied directly to its ability to engage younger Island residents now, and as a board, we look forward to assisting in those efforts.”

Youth Advisory Board for Confederation Centre of the Arts
• Shreesh Agrawal, Chair
• Leena Daboo, Vice-Chair
• Caleb McKenna, Secretary
• Brian Affouan
• Prabhakar Bholah
• Divya Daboo
• Hannah Johnston
• Adam MacKenzie
• Songobele Mulenga
• Joey Vo

Click here for a full list of board members and their biographies.

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Media Contact:
Emily McMahon, Communications Manager, Confederation Centre of the Arts
emcmahon@confederationcentre.com | 902-628-6135