Youth Voices for Earth: A National Art For Earth Exhibition

Sep - Dec 2025

Event Locations:

(Victoria, BC)

(Toronto, ON)

(Edmonton, BC)

(Winnipeg, Manitoba)

If the Global Share Support Youth Association (GSSYA) receives less funding than requested for the Art for Earth Exhibition, we will implement a strategic action plan to ensure the project's core objectives are still met. The goal is to adjust the project’s scope while maintaining its impact and engagement with youth, especially from under-represented groups. Below are the steps we will take in response to reduced funding:

1. Prioritize Key Components

Core Activities Focus: The first step will be to identify and prioritize the most essential components of the project. These include the main exhibition, key workshops, and outreach efforts targeting youth from under-represented groups. Other non-essential activities, such as secondary workshops or supplementary events, may be postponed or scaled down to accommodate the reduced budget.

Critical Deliverables: We will focus on delivering the primary exhibition and the digital platforms necessary for youth participation. By concentrating on the exhibition itself, both virtual and physical, we can ensure that youth still have a platform to showcase their work and that the national conversation around art and environmental advocacy continues.

2. Adjust the Project’s Scale

Regional Approach: Instead of conducting the exhibition on a full national scale, GSSYA will focus on key regions where we have strong partnerships and established youth networks. This will allow us to reach target audiences more efficiently and still make an impact in multiple provinces or territories.

Hybrid Event Model: To reduce costs, we will emphasize virtual components of the exhibition while limiting in-person events to select key locations. This hybrid model will allow us to minimize venue and travel expenses while maintaining nationwide engagement through online platforms.

3. Leverage Partnerships and In-Kind Contributions

Seek Additional Sponsorship: GSSYA will seek additional financial and in-kind sponsorships from private sector partners, local businesses, and arts-focused organizations to fill any funding gaps. We will build on existing relationships and forge new ones to help fund specific aspects of the project, such as venue costs or materials for workshops.

Volunteer Contributions: We will rely more heavily on volunteers from our existing network to help manage logistics, event coordination, and technical support. Reducing reliance on paid staff for non-critical roles will allow us to stretch the available funds further.

Collaboration with Partner Organizations: GSSYA will deepen collaborations with community organizations, schools, and local art institutions. These partners can provide in-kind contributions, such as venue spaces, technology, and outreach support, helping us reduce overall costs while maintaining high engagement levels.

4. Scale Down Material and Marketing Costs

Digital-First Marketing Strategy: Instead of relying on printed materials and extensive physical marketing campaigns, we will shift our focus to digital outreach strategies. This includes social media campaigns, email marketing, and virtual ads, which are more cost-effective and have a wider reach.

Streamlining Event Materials: If necessary, we will limit the production of physical materials, such as printed exhibition catalogues, and instead provide them in digital formats. This will reduce costs while still ensuring that all participants and attendees have access to the necessary information and resources.

5. Reduce the Number of Workshops and Events

Consolidate Workshops: If funding is limited, we will reduce the number of workshops and consolidate sessions. This will allow us to retain the most impactful topics and ensure they still reach a broad audience. For example, instead of holding multiple separate workshops on related topics, we could combine them into one comprehensive session.

Selective Keynote Speakers: We may reduce the number of keynote speakers or VIP guests and focus on key individuals who can deliver the most value and draw the largest audience. This adjustment will lower speaker fees and travel costs while ensuring that the event remains engaging.