
INKspire elevates youth voices in mainstream media through writing and interactive projects


INKspire elevates youth voices in mainstream media through writing and interactive projects

INKspire elevates youth voices in mainstream media through writing and interactive projects

IMPACT & COMMITMENT
Bringing a world of opportunity for the undervalued and underrepresented
500+
volunteers, contributors, and program participants
10+
interactive programs & projects with a focus on sharing stories and learning from the community.
20+
partners and funders, including the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, and Toronto Arts Council
800+
articles shared on various platforms including Social Issues, Science & Technology, Arts and Creative
SINCE 2016
We started out through a successful Kickstarter campaign
ONGOING
CREATIVE WRITING
INKspire Online Publication
Our first initiative – a publishing platform for youth to share their thoughts, ideas and perspectives – was founded in 2016 through a successful Kickstarter campaign that garnered over $10,000 in funding from 170+ backers.
Since then, over 800 articles from 300+ contributors have been published.
EXPANDING OUR PORTFOLIO
Our communities inspire our progress
Since then, INKspire has grown beyond its initial initiative, expanded its portfolio through accessible & interactive programming with a focus on building youth leadership.

#DearCanada
INKspire’s latest initiative aimed at showcasing the stories of young individuals (aged 14-29) throughout Canada. Learn more

Write to Discover
Online workshops providing hands-on experience and expert guidance for youth interested in creative writing. Learn more

Youth Creatives Alliance
A diverse group of youth-led arts organizations that empowers emerging artists through the creation of accessible and inclusive arts programming for youth. Learn more
What's new at INKSpire
Not Built for Ballet
I have been hiding from ballet class. I wish that were a clever metaphor, but it’s not. I have been hiding from ballet class. Every week, I book a class, and twelve hours before it begins, I cancel the booking. At first, I told myself it was for other reasons, like having work to do or people to see or rest to take. But by the time week six rolled around, I knew. I am hiding from ballet class. I bought everything, too. The leotard, the tights, the shoes. Everything I used to wear once a week from the ages
Does moving lead to personal development? An author’s abroad analysis
Is it possible to move your whole life to another country in two suitcases? Yes, yes it is. In one hand you hold your passport, and in the other hope for a new life filled with infinite possibilities. Moving far away from everything you know for an extended period of time forces you to leave everything you know behind and start fresh; Be on your own for the first time, nobody knows who you are or your first language, nickname or mannerisms. You become a blank page that is now painted with lessons of challenges abroad. It changes you, and
Hilary Duff Is Not Your Teen Idol
For tweens growing up in the 2000s, Hilary Duff was a name synonymous with “icon” and “idol.” Best known at the time for portraying middle-schooler Lizzie McGuire on the Disney show of the same name, Duff’s character helped young girls navigate the awkward stages of puberty. Whether that was getting her first bra or going on a date with her crush, Duff was there with them through it all, one clumsy tumble at a time. Despite being a child star, Duff was able to transition out of Disney mostly unscathed, acting in more mature roles in shows like Younger, Gossip
Are They Really Just Wrestling?
Two men are holding each other. One is lying down. The other is on top of him, holding his head inside his arms. They are both shirtless. Then, the audience cheers for the “babyface” (hero) as the “heel” (villain) taps out. The lights go up, and the audience claps because their favourite wrestler just won a match. At its core, wrestling is about people–usually of the same sex–wearing minimal clothing, holding each other, picking each other up, and carefully dropping each other onto a mat. These physical actions are quite intimate, providing a rather homosexual undertone to the sport. If
OPINION: Self Beyond the Resume
This may sound strange but, it’s rare that we actually have the chance to meet ourselves in this life. How can we, when we are taught to define who we are by what we do? From a young age we’re asked; what we want to be when we grow up? But never who we want to become or how we want to feel. As a result, we learn to condense everything inside of us as schooling, then a degree, a line on our resume and then hopefully a job. What are you studying in school? What are your grades like?
Writing for Change: Become a Volunteer at INKspire
INKspire hosts its own publishing platform with over 800 articles from 300+ contributors. INKspire is always looking for new writers to join the team. Here are the top reasons why you should join us! Share your perspective INKspire’s mission is to give Canadian youth a platform to express themselves. At INKspire your voice truly matters,…
Meet Gracen McKenzie
Meet Gracen McKenzie Gracen McKenzie is a passionate and experienced individual who has been chosen to facilitate the tri-annual Write to Discover (WTD) Workshop hosted by INKspire. WTD is a free virtual creative writing program for youth aged 15-24. The winter workshop series will focus on playwriting, participants will learn to look at theater from…
Artistic Altruism: How 3 Arts Non-Profits Empower Youth Creatives
INKspire INKspire’s mission is to elevate youth voices in mainstream media through writing and interactive projects. The organization hosts its own publishing platform with over 800 articles from 300+ contributors. INKspire provides youth a platform to explore topics like art, culture, science, technology and social issues. The organization is always creating new spaces for youth…
What's new at INKSpire
Actively publishing new articles and exciting program initiatives
Latest updates

I hate Masterclass
Oct 5, 2022, by Thorolf Van Walsum

A Return to Colour
Oct 2 2022, by Royce L.

Distorted Mirror
Sep 26 2022, by Dorsa Mansouri

Blinded by Blue Light
Sep 21 2022, by Emily Campbell

Taking Stands: Artists Actively Working Towards Social Justice
May 23 2022, by Natasha Bredle
What's new at INKSpire
Resources

Careers at INKspire
Interested in learning new skills and being a part of a supportive community?

Support our initiatives
Help us curate a safe and positive environment where we can continue to make a difference.

Submit your work
Are you a writer or artist? Publish your writing pieces or artworks on our platform!




