Speak Out And Lead

ANNUAL YOUTH ARTS FEST

4th Annual Speak Out And Lead Youth Arts Fest

​April 26th 2025, 12-5PM

825 Arts is bringing youth center stage with the Fourth edition of their youth lead music and arts festival, Speak Out And Lead (SOAL)!

The goal of SOAL is to bring young people together and spread their love for art, music, and performance. Taking place each Spring at 825 Arts. (825 University Ave W) the event will feature the art and creativity of 13-21 year-olds from around the Twin Cities, with a live performance stage, workshops, and an “arts market” where the public can purchase original artwork from young artists.

SOAL is also meant to be a safe space for youth to come together for a day. We also want to bring a space for networking during the event. It is so important that young artists and entrepreneurs get a chance to meet each other and share their works and talents.

Thank you for a great 2024 Speak Out And Lead!

With over 300 people in attendance, 14 participants in the open mic, 30 artist vendors, 4 food trucks, and a fantastic day, this year’s festival was FANTASTIC! Thanks to all who attended, and we hope to see you next year for another fantastic SPEAK OUT AND LEAD!

Food trucks

Sweet Fruci Ice Cream, Chicks On Wheels, J’Tionna Hobby, ice cream trucks ^

2025 Artists

2025 Performers

  • Esther Stwalley @rubberband_girl
  • Sadie Maguire @maguiremusic_mpls
  • Indie Gerster @indiegerster
  • Silent Monday @Silentmonday.mn
  • Mahogany Robinson @Midnightave_band
  • Boy Snack

2025 Vendors

  • Rena, zines,  @ceo.of.lemontown or @wisteriazine
  • Macy, ceramics, @macy.skye.gearhart
  • Alanna, embroidery and linoprinting,  @alanna.fs
  • Maya, digital drawing
  • Freya, Native American Jewelry
  • Nora Abenth, sculpture, @the_angelic_rabbit on IG
  • Olivia Judkins, dream catchers
  • Madison Kutzke, paintings @madtownsart21 on IG
  • Parker Sisler: paintings, @flufflanks on IG

2025 Workshop Teachers

  • Apoorva Godavarti: Bharatanatyam workshop
  • Parker Sisler: nature journaling
  • Olivia Judkins: dreamcatcher making
  • Alanna: embroidery

The YALT Team

Lucy Selly – Paw Ku Ku – Myrachelle Riley – William Williams – Miles Rosenthal – Salma Thompson – Ethan Maury – Som La Paw – Charity Gbolo

825 Arts Youth Arts Leadership team (YALT) is a group of nine young people, ages 14-21, who together, guide, produce, and grow 825’s youth programs. With the support of our highly experienced staff, YALT participants also learn important skills in leadership, collaboration, and accountability. YALT also teaches our young people how to build relationships with other youth leaders, mentors, and their neighbors.

Made possible through support from

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Thank you to Our Funders!

 
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​This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board,
thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.