SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- The Visual and Performing Arts Office of the San Francisco Unified School District unveils Young at Art; a nine-day celebration of student creativity in visual, literary, media, and performing arts hosted by the de Young through May 24. For the past twenty-three years, this unique San Francisco event (formerly San Francisco Youth Arts Festival) has been a point of destination for families, teachers, artists, and community members in the Bay Area. The San Francisco Unified School District's groundbreaking Arts Education Master Plan, which originated from the programming of Young at Art, promotes the equity and access of the arts in education for all students K–12.

Over 9,000 children from 250 schools throughout San Francisco actively participate in Young at Art 2009. Of these participants, 2,000 youth are showcased through the visual art exhibition, live performances on stage, and through literary and media arts. Over 150 volunteers help organize Young at Art events and approximately 15,000 people are expected to attend the festival over the course of the nine days. All students in San Francisco’s public, private, independent, and parochial schools are eligible to participate in Young at Art and all activities are free for the public.

Highlights include:

Visual Art Exhibition
Artwork by 2,000 students, grades K–12th from San Francisco schools are on view in the de Young’s Kimball Education Gallery.

Performances
Over forty-five groups will perform during the nine-day festival. Choral groups, orchestras, dance ensembles and jazz bands will perform in two outdoor settings: the Music Concourse Band Shell and the de Young’s Koret Auditorium.

Media Arts
A film and video screening of works by students will be featured on Tuesday, May 19, in the Koret Auditorium. This event is presented in collaboration with the San Francisco Film Society Education Department.

Literary Arts
The literary arts event on Saturday, May 24, in the de Young’s Koret Auditorium will feature young writers reading their works of poetry and prose.

Hands on Art Activities
Hands on art activities with community artists will be offered from 10 am–1 pm on May 19–22 in the Music Concourse in front of the de Young.