Dance for Social Change 2026

The 11th annual Dance for Social Change (DSC) Festival is a three-day, youth-led celebration exploring the intersection of mental health, nature, art, and community. Across performances, interactive experiences, and reflective spaces, the festival invites participants of all ages to engage with youth creativity, connect with one another, and explore wellness in new ways.

April 16 | 6–9:30 PM
Rooted & Rising Fundraising Night

April 17 | 7–10 PM
Teen Night (Ages 13-18)

April 18 | 11 AM–3 PM
Shifting Grounds -- a Family Day partnered with Arts New Orleans unveiling the mosaic furniture by Jamar Pierre and sculptural birdhouses by Trinity Barriere, created in collaboration with Young Artist Movement. During the unveiling ceremony, DSC youth artists will bring the new artwork to life through a special choreographed dance.

These works were commissioned through the City of New Orleans Percent for Art Program, managed by Arts New Orleans, and made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Info: Savor bold, farm-to-table flavors, artfully curated by The Taylord Chef Experience.

Info: Sha'Condria "Icon" Sibley - Poetry ; Performances from Arch Collective and Sounds Bobbi Rae and Band to activate the auditory senses.

Info: Come Celebrate Family day honoring public art and dance. Join us as we unveil mosaic furniture by Jamar Pierre and sculptural birdhouses by Trinity Barriere, created in collaboration with Young Artist Movement. During the unveiling ceremony, DSC youth artists will bring the new artwork to life through a special choreographed dance.

These works were commissioned through the City of New Orleans Percent for Art Program, managed by Arts New Orleans, and made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Presented in partnership with Arts New Orleans, this event is part of the Dance for Social Change Festival, an annual, youth-led, three-day exploration of mental health, nature, art, and community.

Info: Exploration of Audubon Nature Trails and the center, Engage with Activations that evoke the senses, eat food from Europhia Tacos and Taylord Chef or grab a snowball.

Info: Join us as we unveil mosaic furniture by Jamar Pierre and sculptural birdhouses by Trinity Barriere, created in collaboration with Young Artist Movement. During the unveiling ceremony, DSC youth artists will bring the new artwork to life through a special choreographed dance.

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