YAX and Leap Arts Are Joining Forces

Youth Art Exchange (YAX) and Leap Arts are excited to announce that our organizations are joining together to expand access to high-quality arts education for students, educators, and communities throughout the Bay Area.

As part of this integration, Youth Art Exchange will assume leadership of Leap Arts, bringing together our programs, teaching artists, staff, and community partnerships into a single, unified organization. Together, we'll build on the unique strengths and histories of both organizations while honoring Leap Arts' longstanding mission and legacy.

Throughout this transition, continuity remains our highest priority. Existing programs, partnerships, and commitments will continue uninterrupted, supported by the same dedicated teaching artists and staff. By combining our resources, expertise, and networks, we'll be able to strengthen programming, deepen community impact, and serve even more young people across the region.

We're also excited to join forces on the Sandcastle Classic, now in its 44th year. This beloved Bay Area tradition reflects the creativity, collaboration, and community spirit that both organizations value, and we're thrilled to help carry its legacy forward while supporting its continued growth.

Raffaella Falchi Macias, Executive Director of Youth Art Exchange, will lead the unified organization, which will operate under the Youth Art Exchange name. Together, we're creating a stronger, more sustainable organization with the capacity to amplify youth voices, foster creative learning, and increase access to transformative arts experiences for years to come.

For more information about the integration, please read our Q&A document.

TOGETHER We can create a better world
by providing STUDENTS the arts education required to develop the skills, determination, and creativity to reach beyond their potential.

We are educators, artists, and advocates on the front lines of providing students with vital arts education. We need your support to continue to change the lives of children and build a better world.