The Young Program

FOUNDED UPON THE PRINCIPLES OF INDIVIDUALITY & THE ACORN THEORY

The Acorn Theory. A worldwide myth in which each person comes into the world with something to do and to be. The myth says we enter the world with a calling. Plato, in his Myth of Er, called this our paradeigma, meaning a basic form that encompasses our entire destinies. This accompanying image shadowing our lives is our bearer of fate and fortune. The acorn theory expresses that unique something that we carry into the world, that is particular to us, which is connected to our “daimon,” a word rarely used in our culture.

... I don't develop; I am!

Pablo Piacasso

OUR GOALS

CALLING

We believe every young person carries a distinct voice, vision, and creative impulse. Our goal is to create the conditions for that inner calling to be recognized, encouraged, and expressed through art, music, writing, performance, and thoughtful community engagement.

FATE

A young person’s environment can either silence or strengthen their gifts. We work to place emerging creators in spaces where opportunity, exposure, and affirmation help shape a more expansive future—one in which their talent is not overlooked, but cultivated with intention.

CHARACTER

Creative development is not only about skill; it is also about courage, discipline, empathy, and self-knowledge. Through process, presentation, and reflection, we encourage young participants to grow as artists and as people—learning to value both their individuality and their responsibility to the wider world.

RECOGNITION

Recognition matters. When young people are seen, heard, and taken seriously, their confidence grows and their sense of purpose deepens. We are committed to creating platforms that honor their work, validate their expression, and invite audiences of all ages to engage the power of youthful insight.

THE PROCESS

01
DISCOVERING
We begin by helping young participants identify their interests, instincts, and creative voice. Through observation, dialogue, and exploration, we make room for individuality to emerge.
02
DEVELOPING
Participants refine ideas into real work—visual art, writing, music, performance, or multidisciplinary expression. This stage centers experimentation, practice, and growth.
03
MENTORING
Guidance from educators, artists, and program partners helps young creators strengthen both craft and confidence. Feedback is used to deepen vision, not flatten originality.
04
PRESENTING
Finished work is shared through exhibitions, publications, performances, and digital showcases. Presentation gives participants the opportunity to be experienced by a real audience.
05
REFLECTING
Creative work does not end at display. We encourage reflection on process, meaning, audience response, and future direction so each experience contributes to long-term artistic development.

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... genius can be bounded in nutshell and embrace the whole fullness of life

Thomas Mann

ALLIANCES

EXPOSING AUDIENCES OF ALL AGES TO THE WORKS OF YOUTH, IN AN EFFORT TO SUPPORT, NURTURE, RECOGNIZE & EMPOWER THEM TO EXPRESS THEIR INDIVIDUALITY & TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE EXPRESSION OF THE “ONE” & ITS IMPACT ON THE “MANY”.

CAFE EXPRESSION

Poetry, Stories, Literature of all types & styles, the stuff that dreams are made of. Café Expression provides young Artisans with the perfect platform to publish & provide the world a taste of what’s next. Read More

EXHIBITION 2100

Art is expression. Immerse yourself. Partake of the unspoken communications that art allows. Exhibition 2100 provides access to these treasures via the Worldwide Web & Gallery Engagements.

MELOPHONIST

Music, is the universal solvent. Let your ear taste endless expressions of sound. Music soothes, motivates, & entertains all at once. The Melophonist offers a snapshot of tomorrows musical trends. Read More

PERFORMING ARTS

Dance, Theater, Comedy, Spontaneous Expression, Video, & Film, if it’s artistic you can share it here. Our Program supports a wide range of Performing Arts. Read More

LOCATION

EXHIBITION SPACE

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In the final analysis, we count for something only because of the essential we embody, and if we do not embody that, life is wasted.

C.G. Jung

CONTACT

EMAIL

info@theyoungprogram.org

ADDRESS

2100 Parkway
The Museum District – Philadelphia, PA 19103

PHONE

+215-000-000

LIVE WHAT YOU LOVE

THE YOUNG PROGRAM

WE CHASE THE VISION