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Investing in Teen Voices: Empowering Young Artists to Be Seen, Heard, and Valued

At Kennedy Heights Arts Center, we believe every young person deserves a place where they can feel seen, safe, and celebrated.

Through our scholarship campaign, Invest in Imagination, we’re shining a light on our programs that give teens the freedom to express themselves, connect with community, and imagine new possibilities—thanks entirely to donors like you. Two of those programs, Teen Artists for Change and Tellus Zine, are nurturing the next generation of creatives and changemakers.

Art That Makes a Difference

In Teen Artists for Change (TAC), students in grades 7–12 use their creativity to make a difference in their community.

This semester, TAC partnered with artist Cedric Michael Cox to create a collaborative painting for Transform, a nonprofit that provides free wardrobes to transgender and gender non-conforming youth. The teens chose themes of affirmation, identity, and visibility—aligning their artwork with Transform’s mission of helping youth feel seen and supported.

In the words of one TAC member, “Things that make you different are valued here. It’s good to be different. Your differences mean unique things you can offer.”

That sense of belonging shows up again and again when teens talk about TAC.

“I’m a person who isn’t really accepted at school,” shared Allyn. “This place is very open and safe. Artists are very open-minded.”

It’s no surprise that TAC has been at full capacity. In a world that often feels divided, young people are searching for spaces where they can be real—and be welcomed just as they are.

A Platform for Brave Expression

Tellus Zine was born out of Teen Artists for Change as a new platform to amplify youth voices. Launched in 2019, this teen-led print and digital publication is curated by an editorial board of high school students from across Greater Cincinnati. Together, they publish visual art, music, and creative writing by creators ages 13 to 18.

The goal? To give young people a space to express themselves bravely and creatively as part of our diverse community.

“To have the opportunity to spend time with a group of creative teens while putting together a zine, which means so much to all of us, has allowed me to be much more open,” one editorial board member shared. “Instead of being afraid to share my opinion, I now feel free to share what I think because I know that, in this creative environment, I will not be judged.”

The most recent issue, Variety, reflects on the many layers of human experience—from relationships and identity to subtle differences in a ceramic glaze. In the board’s own words: “Sharing and promoting our different experiences is how we as people grow.”

The Tellus Editorial Board meets monthly to curate submissions, plan events, and develop their creative projects. With interest growing each year, this free opportunity is one of the few programs of its kind—and one of the most meaningful.

Why It Matters

We believe every young person deserves access to art, mentorship, and community–that’s why these programs are completely free to participants. Your gift helps make that happen.

We invite you to Invest in Imagination with a gift to our 2025 Scholarship Fund Campaign. Our goal is to raise $10,000 by June 1, 2025. 

When you contribute to the Scholarship Fund, you’re not just funding supplies or artist fees—you’re opening the door to possibility. You’re giving a teen the chance to be seen. You’re giving them a place to belong.

You’re helping them realize: my voice matters.

Invest in Imagination

Imagination is where it all begins. It’s how young people learn to express themselves, solve problems, and dream big. That’s why your support is so important.

When you invest in imagination, everyone wins.

Make your gift today and help us continue offering free, transformative arts programs to young people across our community.

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