CANVAS.Institute of Arts,Culture and CivicEngagement.

05/14/2026

Kudos to Kamillah Hanks for this important legislation and for her continued leadership on behalf of our communities and young people.

We also want to acknowledge the civic leaders, educators, community stakeholders, and Canvas students from schools across Staten Island who participated in our letter-writing campaign and presentations during our 2024 Youth Empowerment Summit. Advocacy works when young people find their voice and leaders are willing to listen.

Now let’s continue the momentum.

Reminder: Join us THIS SATURDAY for the 20th Annual Youth Empowerment Summit from 12–5 PM at the historic St. George Theatre.

Empowerment. Leadership. Opportunity. Culture. Community.

05/12/2026

Have you signed up to attend the Summit ? 👉 http://bit.ly/4wcJyQb

05/12/2026

Thank you for sharing and your support Kamillah Hanks Council Member-D49 ! Look forward to your attendance over 1000 signed up so far 🤗🎉❤️

04/27/2026

NEW YORK! STATEN ISLAND!! — THIS IS AN URGENT MOMENT.

With the spike in youth violence, we can’t sit back and wait for it to become a crisis.

We need all hands on deck.

On May 16, we’re bringing together 1,500+ young people, families, educators, and community stakeholders for the
20th Annual Youth Empowerment Summit at St. George Theatre (12–5PM).

This is how we shift the culture:
• Mentorship
• Mental wellness
• Financial literacy
• Real opportunities
• Youth voices on stage

FREE. FOOD INCLUDED. IMPACT GUARANTEED.

If you care about our youth, show up or send someone.

REGISTER NOW:

Event Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986268160537?aff=oddtdtcreator

Volunteer Sign-Up: https://forms.gle/tXLxhRSVGxJhpNnV7

We don’t wait for problems to grow.
We move now.

If you’re a parent, educator, or community leader — bring your students, bring your teams, bring your people.

We’re building something that will be felt far beyond May 16.

Let the results speak.

Friends and family please share the info!

Thank you!!

Hispanic Heritage Foundation
My Brothers Keeper Wagner College The Staten Island Foundation New York Center for Interpersonal Development NYCID Sarah Blas Reshma Dhurup Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton Michael De Vito Jr. The Village - A Chance In Life Staten Island Performing Provider System Gracelyn F. Santos Edwina Martin Ted Enoch Office of the NYC Public Advocate Michael Reilly Jeffrey Derose Staten Island Advance Staten Island Arts & Entertainment Guide Staten Island Arts Staten Island Creative Community Rotary Club of Staten Island Healthcare Education Project- Staten Island/ Brooklyn island

12/04/2025

11/15/2025

. Thank God for our Canvas CommUNITY.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the 4th Annual Youth Empowerment Gala AYE25. Our honorees were the highlight of the night and reminded us why this work matters.

Honorees
Frank “Turtle” Raffaele, Coffeed
Nicholas Mele, Principal of Edwin Markham School
Hon. Edwina F. Martin, ESQ.
Lamson Lam, Exalt Youth
Taina B. Martinez, MSW, Baltic Streets
Jessica Jackson, Principal of Rocco Laurie School
Dr. John Piazza, DC

Deep gratitude to our sponsors, funders, and elected officials for standing with Staten Island youth and families.
Supporting elected officials and sponsors listed in the article!

Through the Diamond Grant from the Staten Island Foundation every dollar donated to Canvas Institute is tripled.

Join the Diamond Grant campaign and triple your impact:
https://www.pledge.to/canvas-institute-diamond-grant-fundraiser

Thank you for being part of our Canvas CommUNITY. The best is ahead.

Founder/Executive Director
Bobby Digi Olisa

“This year’s gala celebrates the spirit of service and partnership that keeps our mission alive."

10/14/2025

🔥 This is bigger than a Gala — it’s a Movement.

On November 12th, we come together for the 4th Annual Youth Empowerment Gala — to celebrate our young people, our community, and the legacy we’re building together. To donate, visit https://www.pledge.to/aye25

Every ticket you buy, every ad you place, every post you share — fuels real change. It helps us keep our youth inspired, our culture alive, and our community strong. To BUY tickects , visit https://www.pledge.to/aye25

If Canvas Institute has ever touched your life, inspired your family, or made you proud to be from Staten Island — this is your moment to give back. To donate, visit https://www.pledge.to/aye25

✨ Don’t just watch the movement — be part of it.
🎟️ Grab your tickets.
👉 https://www.pledge.to/aye25

📰 Place your journal ad.

👉visit https://www.pledge.to/aye25

💬 Share this post and tag your people.

Let’s fill the room with love, power, and purpose on November 12 — and show the world what community looks like when it moves together. To donate/Buy your table or ticket , visit https://www.pledge.to/aye25

09/16/2025

✨ Save the Date! ✨
The Canvas Institute 4th Annual Youth Empowerment Gala is happening on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 at Li Greci’s Staaten (Doors open 6:30 PM).

Join us as we celebrate our Resilient Leaders & Honorees — champions whose courage and service inspire the next generation. 🌟

📅 Mark your calendars for a powerful evening of impact, inspiration, and community.

Together, we uplift, empower, and transform the future of our youth. 💫

CANVAS.Institute of Arts,Culture and CivicEngagement.

07/05/2025

TODAY is our OPEN STREETS launch 2pm! *Westervelt/Victory blvd. FREE -food, drinks music & games and commUNITY 🥳❤️ CANVAS.Institute of Arts,Culture and CivicEngagement.