Festival Programs | Cowichan Youth Festival of the Arts (CYFA)

CORE Arts

CYFA offers 10 CORE art programs, all run by student program leads, or captains. These art forms transcend digital media, performing arts, and visual arts.

Film

Film screenings and competitions are well complimented by the smell of popcorn.

Dance

Students can enjoy dance workshops where they will show off their best moves!

TheGallery

The visual art and material art gallery, showcasing 50+ pieces of student-made artwork, is the centrepiece of the CYFA exhibit.

Poetry

Poetry workshops promote poetic literacy in our community. Students create poems ranging from haikus to sonnets, experimenting with various styles and themes.

Ceramics

Hand-build ceramics workshops mentored by TeamCYFA student program leads. Captains will fire and glaze individual pieces, turning works into lasting mementos from CYFA

Photography

Photography workshops and exhibits inspire avid student photographers to further their artistic pursuits, whether it be landscape or astrophotography.

Music

Our music programs uplift students by immersing them in genres from classical to rock, encouraging them to explore a multitude of instruments. Students perform at the intimate TinyLibrary venue, inspired by NPR's TinyDesk.

Drama

From engaging improv games to short acting sessions, our drama program empowers students to express themselves on stage and beyond.

Indigenous Carving Presentation CYFA 2023

Cultural Programs

It is the top priority of CYFA to address the rich indigenous culture in our community. For CYFA '23, Stz'uminus Master Carver John Marston was invited to give a special presentation on his canoe project.

Digital Music Production

Students get hands-on experience with professional digital music softwares like FL Studio 21.

Extension Arts

A fun twist to CORE Arts programs!

Karaoke

A way to express yourself through music – sing your heart out!

Culinary

Culinary is a creative endeavour. Students were able to bake delicious cookies during CYFA '23 & '25.

Arts & Crafts

From t-shirt painting to bracelet making, Arts & Crafts has something for every hands-on craftsperson.