Applications Are Now Open: 2025 Elevate Program

November 26, 2024

Since 2021, PuSh has partnered with Solid State Community Industries to introduce IBPOC youth in Surrey to careers in the performing arts. Through a unique, free-access program, participants have enjoyed curated shows and artist workshops organized by Symposia, a youth-led arts management co-op within Solid State’s community.

The new Elevate Program will support up to 12 racialized youth, aged 18-24, who are passionate about performance, creative writing, theater, music, or other art forms but have yet to gain significant industry exposure. With support from Canada Council’s Cultivate Grant, this mentorship program is designed to offer an all-encompassing view of the performing arts, Elevate provides opportunities for these emerging creatives to learn about creation, production, and more.

“The PuSh Youth Cohort [Elevate Program] allowed me to experience some incredible shows and participate in workshops from artists working with the PuSh Festival, which is something that I, as a second-generation Canadian citizen, have never had the chance to do growing up. I had always felt like I was an outsider in the art space, and I rarely saw anyone who looked like me or came from the same background as me, on the stage or in the audience. This program gave me the chance to get a look into an industry that I have never felt welcome in, but have always wanted to have a career in. I hope that others gain the same experience that I had when joining the PuSh Youth Cohort [Elevate Program].”

• Shirin Moradi Gálvez, former participant of the PuSh Youth Cohort, current member of Symposia 

In January and February, Elevate participants will connect with artists both within and outside of The PuSh Festival. They’ll attend a curated lineup of PuSh performances, featuring artist-led talk-backs, workshops, and meals with special guests. And, from February to June participants will collaborate with mentors to develop their own projects for a final showcase in July 2025.

Applications for this year’s cohort are open now, until December 7th 2024. Aspiring creators, performers, and producers who identify as Indigenous, Black or a person of colour are strongly encouraged to apply!For more information on the Elevate Program, contact youth@pushfestival.ca.