Few things are as inspiring as a collective of young creatives showcasing their work. On May 3, the youth-led PKX Festival returns to Poughkeepsie, bringing together the next generation of artists and visionaries. Hosted by The Art Effect, a nonprofit dedicated to youth empowerment through creative expression, the festival is a vibrant celebration of the artistic talents of teenagers from their own backyard and around the world.
More than just a showcase, the PKX Festival plays a vital role in developing the Youth Arts Empowerment Zone (YAEZ), an initiative to foster youth-driven creative spaces. Produced and curated by the Poughkeepsie Board of Artistic Youth (PK B.A.Y.), the festival unites students from six local, youth-serving organizations: Boys & Girls Club of Poughkeepsie, Community Matters 2, Esperanza Dutchess County Hispanic Organization, Nubian Directions II, and The Art Effect with support from Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet.
A Day of Art, Film, and Community
Visitors will immerse themselves in a lineup of artwork, short film screenings, and live performances. “Every year, PKX brings together the heart of our community through young artists. Their passion and dedication inspire everyone who attends,” says Pamela O’Brien, Managing Director of The Art Effect.
The festival, free and open to the public, takes place across two locations. The day kicks off with a family-friendly outdoor community celebration from 1-5pm in Mansion Square Park. Enjoy hands-on art-making activities, local food vendors, music, a community art unveiling, and more, all in a relaxed outdoor setting.
From 5pm onward, attendees can enjoy events at the Family Partnership Center. Discover a dynamic collection of local youth-created multimedia artworks in the community room. Then at 6pm, the short film festival and awards ceremony will take place in the auditorium. A highlight of the event, the film festival features work by talented young filmmakers from around the world. A jury of peers, including apprentices from Forge Media’s production house, will evaluate their selections and present awards. This event is for teens and older.
Innovation at this Year’s Festival
With past festivals welcoming over 400 attendees, PKX is known for its meaningful themes. Last year’s theme, “Droppin’ Jewels,” was inspired by a collective member’s grandmother, who often said, “Child, I just dropped some jewels on you,” a nod to the intergenerational wisdom shared throughout the festival.
This year’s festival promises bold, boundary-pushing creative work filled with community art-making in the park, local youth artists showcasing their work, and a fantastic lineup of youth-produced short films from around the globe. Join the celebration on May 3, from 1pm to 8pm. All events are free and open to the public.
