Two leaders of organizations working to engage young people through the arts will describe their efforts at the Friday, May 8, meeting of the City Club of Eugene.

The meeting begins at noon at the WOW Hall, 291 W. Eighth Ave. Club meetings are open to the public. There is no charge to attend.

Friday’s program will explore how the arts and creative expression can be essential tools for youth mental health, confidence and belonging. The two speakers will highlight distinct but complementary approaches, ranging from writing and publishing to participatory dance creation.

Friday’s speakers are:

  • Miranda Atkinson, executive director of #instaballet. With 25 years of experience as a dance teacher and a career as an administrator in higher education, she joined the #instaballet board in 2015 and became executive director in 2023.
  • Wynter Eddins, a multidisciplinary artist, educator and founder of Simply Youth Institute. The institute seeks to connect young adults to their leadership skills through education, creative expression, mentorship and career exploration. She also was the lead in “Megalodon Rising,” a 2021 feature film about a giant shark.

The program will include questions from the audience about access, funding and the role of arts education in a healthier Eugene.

Friday’s program will be livestreamed on the club’s YouTube channel. City Club of Eugene meetings are rebroadcast Mondays at 7 p.m. on KLCC, 89.7 FM, and are available later on the club’s podcast.

The City Club of Eugene explores local, state and national issues.