2023 PuSh Youth Program
The PuSh Youth Program is our way to engage, support, and uplift a whole new generation of arts enthusiasts by providing greater access to the performing arts, via discounted tickets, educational opportunities, and stimulating conversation.
The Youth Pass gives access to PuSh Festival programming at highly discounted rates. For only $20, the Youth Passport gives access to 4 select shows for youth aged 16-24.
The Youth Cohort, produced in partnership with Surrey-based Solid State Community Industries, is a free program that brings together racialized youth to experience, examine, and engage with the professional contemporary performing arts community. With workshops, conversations with arts professionals, and a slate of exciting PuSh shows, the Youth Cohort is like a book club, but for the live performing arts. Learn more about the program and how to apply to the 2023 Youth Cohort.
The Youth Assembly, produced in partnership with SFU Woodward’s and School of the Contemporary Arts at SFU is a free 1-day youth conference which provides the opportunity for youth to meet and exchange with artists and arts professionals. This year’s Youth Assembly will be held on Saturday, January 28. Learn more and RSVP to Youth Assembly.
Produced in partnership with Solid State Community Industries, the 2023 PuSh Youth Program encompasses the Youth Pass, Youth Cohort, and Youth Assembly.
Program Coordinator
Fiorella Pinillos
Fiorella is an arts administrator, urbanist and community engagement specialist. Originally from Peru, Fiorella moved to Vancouver to complete a Masters of Urban Studies at SFU.
For over five years, Fiorella has worked to provide access to arts, culture and knowledge to communities that have been traditionally marginalized. Her work with equity seeking communities and her own lived experience as an immigrant, have profoundly shaped her understanding about cultural equity and accessibility.
In the last year, Fiorella has started two cooperatives with Solid State, City in Colour and La Libelula, now she is pleased to continue her work in Surrey coordinating the PuSh Youth Program in partnership with Solid State Community Industries
Solid State Industries
Solid State starts worker cooperatives with youth (under-35) from racialized migrant backgrounds. We currently have 18 cohorts running with many more in formation.
We have 120+ participants from more than 35 different national backgrounds and 15 staff. Our goal is to build a mutually-supportive network, grounded in Surrey, a cooperative of cooperatives, bound together by a commitment to hospitality and mutual aid.
We believe that the co-op model is highly capacious: it brings people together to work on a common project, build real-world skills, develop lasting bonds, and earn income from a co-op enterprise. Much more than that, we are interested in bringing together youth to work on common projects where they can forge long-term attachments, and develop a sense of belonging and attachment.