The JAYA initiative was founded by YAC, the Michaëlle Jean Foundation and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in 2014.

The project provides platforms like exhibitions, youth led community projects, public forums, and other programming for artists 30 and under using art to address issues of injustice in their community. In particular JAYA aims to support and young leaders addressing injustice faced by Black, Indigenous, LGBTQIAP2S+ Nova Scotians, newcomers and survivors of sexualized violence.

Since 2014 YAC has carried out innovative programming centring the voices of young artists addressing injustice through their art. YAC continues to carry out work using the model and approach developed through the JAYA initiative. Since 2014 JAYA has:

• Carried out 2 major exhibitions at the Art Gallery of NS​

• 30 panels and presentations by youth at events throughout Nova Scotia, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto​

• 250 youth presenters ​

• 50,000 people engaged through exhibitions, events and media​

• engaged senior government, business, social sector and youth leaders as champions and participants in JAYA activities

YAC continues to work closely with the Rt. Hon. Michaëlle Jean and her foundation, and with other groups supporting youth to address injustice through art.