CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 13, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council is now accepting applications for the 2026–27 Wyoming Youth Arts Council cohort, a statewide leadership program for high school students interested in the arts, community engagement, and creative careers.

Open to Wyoming high school students ages 15–19, the Wyoming Youth Arts Council brings together young people from across the state to explore leadership through the arts. Participants engage in conversations about arts access, education, and advocacy while building skills in communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.

Over nine months, members will explore careers in the creative sector, develop leadership and communication skills, and gain insight into the creative economy, arts policy, and public funding. Participants also take part in workshops on community development, advocacy, grant writing, and arts programming, culminating in a youth-led creative project that connects their interests and skills.

“Programs like this matter because they help young people connect with others, advocate for themselves, and build leadership skills that shape their future,” said Sydney Stephan, a current member of the Wyoming Youth Arts Council and senior at Kelly Walsh High School.

Participants meet regularly throughout the program term, primarily virtually, with select in-person opportunities. Council members receive a stipend in recognition of their time and contributions. The 2026–27 cohort will begin in September.

Students, educators, and community members are encouraged to apply or nominate a student for the program. Applications are open from April 13 through August 10, 2026, and may be submitted through Submittable at /wyomingartscouncil.submittable.com/submit. Nominations must be submitted by August 6, 2026.

For more information, contact Amara Fehring, community development and arts learning specialist with the Wyoming Arts Council, at 307-630-3918 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Additional information is available at wyomingartscouncil.org.

Figure 1: Avenlee Downey and Fern Birdsbill, members of the Wyoming Youth Arts Council, participate in Arts and Culture Day at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne in February 2026.

Contact: Amara Fehring, (307) 630-3918; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.