The mission of the newly forming STEMarts Youth Space Program is to inspire and empower youth by fostering a passion for space exploration and space policy through art, science and technology. Through meaningful connections with experts in the space field, we provide opportunities for young individuals to actively engage in the latest research and development exploring topics such as astrobiology, astrophysics, particle physics, satellite design and space environmentalism coupled with new media artists exploring cutting edge tools for personal expression, science communication and visualization. Our program aims to cultivate artistic, scientific, and humanistic literacy, enabling students to become informed and creative participants who actively shape the future direction of space exploration as we enter the second space age. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and environmental responsibility, we strive to build a more diverse, sustainable and equitable future on Earth and in space.

Our key partners are the Q Station and New Mexico Space Valley Coalition as part of the Space for Earth-Space for All initiative; Space lawyer, Michelle Hanlon, For All Moonkind; Future Focus21c; SMARTlab Skelligs; Scientist/educators: Dr. Steven Goldfarb, CERN physicist; Dr. Nicole Lloyd Ronning and Dr. Andrea Albert, LANL Astrophysicists and the S-STEM Center-UNM Observatory. We align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Space4SDG focusing on improving life on earth from space.

Our first event will be the Earth-Space VR Lounge at the outdoor PASEO Festival in Taos, New Mexico on September 15,16, 2023. This sci-art installation is an immersive virtual reality experience that explores our relationship to earth from space, as a way to deepen our stewardship to planet earth and contemplate its place in the universe. Sit back in glowing inflatable chairs under the night sky on the grassy field of Kit Carson park wearing VR headsets to discover the universe through the work of VR artists that will expand your mind and at the same time connect you more deeply to planet earth. Once inspired, head over to our live VR painting station to see a live VR painting performance and to leave a 3D message about your earth-space experience.

If you would like to coordinate a chapter of the STEMarts Youth Space Program please contact us.

Launch date: September 2023.