Creative Youth Society

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Creative Youth Society (CYS) is a creative literacy and youth cultural development program that helps young people develop their voices through writing, art, design, storytelling, and publishing.

Participants receive hands-on instruction from experienced teaching artists and creative educators. Throughout the program, they will explore different forms of creative expression and collaborate to produce an original youth magazine.

CYS is designed for high school-aged youth between 14 and 18 years old in the Greater Nashville area.

We especially encourage young people from North Nashville and the 37208 community to apply.

Absolutely not! You do not need previous experience in writing, art, photography, graphic design, or publishing.

CYS is designed for young people who are curious, creative, and interested in learning. Whether you enjoy writing, drawing, taking pictures, designing, sharing ideas, or simply trying something new, there is a place for you.

CYS combines creative expression with intentional literacy and skill development.

Participants won't just create artwork. They will strengthen their reading, writing, editing, storytelling, and communication skills while learning how to communicate ideas visually through photography, illustration, typography, and design.

The program also gives participants the opportunity to apply what they learn by producing an actual youth-created magazine.

CYS focuses on four interconnected areas:

• Literacy Development: Strengthening reading, writing, vocabulary, storytelling, editing, and communication skills.
• Visual Literacy and Creative Design: Developing skills in photography, illustration, typography, graphic design, and visual storytelling.
• Personal Development and Well-Being: Encouraging self-expression, confidence, creativity, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
• Youth Voice and Cultural Representation: Giving young people opportunities to share their perspectives, document their experiences, and contribute to their community.

Participants will have opportunities to develop skills in:

• Creative writing, poetry, and storytelling.
• Reading, editing, proofreading, and written communication.
• Photography and visual storytelling.
• Illustration, typography, and graphic design.
• Magazine layout, page composition, and design.
• Editorial planning, content curation, and publishing.
• Collaboration, creative problem-solving, and peer feedback.

A zine (pronounced "zeen") is a small, independently produced publication that allows individuals or groups to share ideas, stories, artwork, photography, and other creative content.

Zines are often personal, experimental, and community-driven. They provide an accessible way for people to tell their stories and share perspectives outside traditional publishing channels.

Participants will explore zine-making as a creative tool and use those techniques to help develop the CYS youth magazine.

The program is designed around two complementary creative areas:

• Writing and Editorial: Focused on creative writing, storytelling, poetry, editing, proofreading, and developing written content.
• Visual Design and Creative Production: Focused on photography, illustration, typography, graphic design, and magazine layout.

These areas will work together throughout the publishing process so that participants can contribute to a shared magazine.

Yes. CYS will engage experienced teaching artists and creative educators, including individuals with expertise in zine-making, independent publishing, writing, and visual design.

These instructors will provide hands-on lessons, demonstrations, creative exercises, feedback, and mentorship to help participants develop their skills and complete their projects.

Participants will have opportunities to contribute ideas and develop original content that reflects their interests, experiences, and perspectives.

The program will provide creative direction and instructional guidance while encouraging youth voice, ownership, and collaboration. Content will be developed within the program's editorial guidelines and appropriate publication permissions.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation.

Please indicate if transportation support is needed on your application. If so, a rideshare gift card will be provided to support some of your transportation needs.

There will be heavy snacks to keep the participants nourished during the program.

There is no cost to participate in this program.

We will allow for no more than 5 absences. This will allow for us to keep the integrity of the program, support participant growth, and development of the zine.

Program Meeting Dates:
December 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17

Winter Pause: December 21-January 8

Spring Program Meetings Resume:

January 12, 14, 19, 21

February  2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18 

March 2, 4, 9, 11, 18 

CYS is designed to provide a supportive creative environment where young people can express themselves, explore their interests, connect with peers, and develop confidence in their abilities.

Through creative writing, art-making, storytelling, and collaboration, participants will have opportunities to reflect on their experiences, share ideas, and recognize the value of their perspectives.

The program is not a substitute for counseling or clinical services. Rather, it seeks to foster positive youth development through creativity, connection, and self-expression.

Creative Youth Society is a program of Bhegani Education, a Nashville-based nonprofit organization focused on empowering youth and young adults through educational enrichment, career exploration, personal development, and community-centered programming.

Bhegani Education develops opportunities that help young people explore their interests, strengthen practical skills, build confidence, and prepare for future success.