HAWAI’I ISLAND
YOUTH  ARTS COALITION

MISSION

Hawai’i Island Youth Arts Coalition (HIYAC) supports island-wide development and growth of diverse, inclusive, high-quality arts education experiences for our keiki and ʻōpio, especially those who are underserved and underrepresented. 


VISION

We believe in the power of the arts to transform lives and communities, and we are committed to making arts education accessible to all youth on Hawai’i Island.


ABOUT 

HIYAC is an interdependent network of 15+ arts organizations and teaching artists across Hawai’i Island. Members gather quarterly to talk story about our respective challenges, pool resources, and explore opportunities for collaboration across educational programs, exhibitions, professional development, and more. 

HIYAC was formed in late 2023 in response to an urgent need for island-wide solidarity among arts educators during a time of being under-resourced amidst the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Our coalition is dedicated to advocating for arts education, securing resources, and supporting each other in our collective efforts.


MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS

Kona
Aloha Theater
Donkey Mill Art Center
Hawai’i Artist Collaboration
Kona Dance and Performing Arts
Kona Town Hui
SKEA (Society for Kona’s Education and Art)
West Hawaii Dance Academy

Hilo
East Hawaii Cultural Center
Wailoa Art Center
Center Stage Dance Alliance
Mālama Arts

Kohala
Danse Space
Hawai’i Keiki Museum
Kahilu Theater
Ku Pana La
Prince Dance
Waimea Arts Council

Puna
Racoon Art House
Arts and Sciences Center

Hamakua
Department of Parks and Recreation

Ka’u
Ka’u High School
Ka’u Performing Arts

GET CONNECTED

HIYAC is currently co-facilitated by the individuals below. Get in touch if you would like to be invited to our quarterly meetings.

PROJECTS

HIYAC is developing an annual youth arts activation, hosted in a different district each year, with a focus on under-represented, rural areas, with free arts activities for keiki and ‘ohana led by our member organizations. We see this offering as complementary to the current island-wide art offerings, including Big Island Arts Summit, YAS Fest, and Young at Art. If you’d like to support, get in touch. 


MEMBER MAP