The Gift of Confidence and Connection
How You're Empowering Young Creators
For Xinyi, the Vancouver Public Library (VPL) has always been more than just a collection of books – it’s given them a creative community, a supportive space to grow, and a place where their artistic voice found the confidence to experiment.
Through their involvement in the library’s ink Teen Advisory Group (ink TAG) and access to library resources, Xinyi’s self-expression blossomed from a quieter passion and participation into a bolder expression of creativity and group leadership.
A journey that has led to their acceptance to the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts at NYU.
Thanks to community supporters like you and the Diamond Foundation, the library offers a special, supportive community where emerging talents can connect, collaborate, and thrive.
Together, we are nurturing the next generation of creators at VPL!
Xinyi’s relationship with the library started at an early age. Their family began visiting their local VPL branch shortly after arriving in Vancouver when Xinyi was five years old.
“The library has always been a place where I could find something that stirs me,” they shared. “It gives me the space to breathe, explore, and be inspired.”
The library became a constant in their life, and by high school, Xinyi had discovered a special community through ink, the library’s teen publication dedicated to showcasing young talent.
Finding Confidence Through Art and Connection
Xinyi’s journey with ink began in their first year of high school. Encouraged by an English teacher, they submitted their creative work and were surprised to be selected for the cover art of the magazine.
This initial success inspired them to join the ink TAG team the following year, where they would collaborate with other young artists and writers to produce the annual publication.
“I was a bit shy and awkward when I first joined,” Xinyi admits. “It was during the peak of the COVID pandemic, so everything was online, which made it harder to connect. But over time, as we started meeting in person, I opened up and became more comfortable expressing myself.”
What began as quiet participation quickly evolved into leadership. Xinyi, once sitting in the corner with their friend, soon became a central figure in the group.
“It was amazing to see Xinyi grow,” shared Jean, a VPL teen librarian. “They went from being a shy newcomer to becoming one of the most active and welcoming voices in the group.”
For Xinyi, this transformation was all about the supportive and inclusive environment that ink TAG fostered.
“The ink Teen Advisory Group is one of the most welcoming and supportive communities I’ve ever been a part of,” Xinyi explains. “It’s not just about editing a magazine – it’s about how being willing to be authentic can bring you fond memories and dear friendships outside of your usual circle of people – all while creating something together.”
Beyond the friendships and leadership opportunities, ink provided Xinyi with a creative outlet that would shape their artistic future.
The Confidence to Experiment: Sculpting Emotions Blindfolded
Xinyi is most proud of their last piece to be featured in ink – a sculpture inspired by the song “Waving Through a Window” from the Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen.
Xinyi’s method was as unique as their vision: to remove vision from the initial process. They began by sculpting small pieces while listening to the songon repeat – all while blindfolded.
“I wanted to remove my eyes from the equation,” they explain, “and focus purely on translating the emotions I felt through my hands into the clay.”
The result was a powerful work of art that captured the song’s rhythm and the protagonist’s emotional journey. This piece became part of Xinyi’s successful portfolio application to Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, where they started their studies this fall.
Your Support: Giving Young Artists Creative Community
Xinyi is excited to continue their artistic journey, but they’ll always carry the influence of VPL with them. “VPL gave me the confidence to share my work and connect with others who share my passions,” Xinyi reflects. “I hope to find a creative community as amazing as
the one I had at ink.”
This program is generously supported by the Diamond Foundation, and community supporters like you. With your continued generosity, we can ensure that VPL remains a place where young creators find confidence, connection, and the inspiration to follow their dreams.