Yes! And... Collaborative Arts

Transforming the lives of youth and communities through collaboration and the performing arts! Our Mission: Yes! And... Collaborative Arts (YACA) is a youth-centered organization dedicated to amplifying voices, nurturing agency, and creating community through performing arts experiences. We believe youth should have no barriers when discovering their unique perspectives because the future depends on compassionate, curious, and courageous leaders. About us: As educators, we practice and teach a different way of interacting with kids, with each other and with the world. We believe that children learn best when they are given the opportunity to engage with one another, classroom content and their own ideas in the context of a safe, affirming and specific environment. We operate collaboratively bringing Collaborative Arts Education to each of our programs. Children and adults together learn about the arts, and gain artistic skills, all while learning about their place in their community. Participants take control of their narrative, and develop their place as productive, creative contributors in society and the world. Our name: Our name comes from a theatre game, where an individual starts a story and the next person picks up the telling by responding, “Yes! And…” then adding their part of the story, and so on. Collaboration is a vital skill for children to learn. It is much more powerful than compromise. Collaboration creates a space where vision, ideas, and desires are affirmed and can be achieved because people are working together. When children understand that "Yes!" Their ideas are supported. "And..." there are people to partner with them, they have a stronger sense of self-worth.