Exhibition view of #MCOYA26.
The Mayor’s Celebration of Youth Arts 2027
Grade 12 Student Art Exhibition
February 12 – April 3, 2027
All Galleries | Aurora Town Square (50 Victoria Street, Aurora)
The Mayor's Celebration of Youth Arts (MCOYA) makes a return with a new school year. A beloved Auroran tradition that began in 2011, this exhibition showcases the bold and diverse work of local Grade 12 students.
This annual exhibition is designed to celebrate youth artistic success and promote youth creativity and community involvement. Exhibiting students are invited to participate in Final Installation Party; a day for students to bring in their artworks, enjoy a provided pizza lunch, and collaborate with their peers in installing their own and each other's artworks throughout the Aurora Cultural Centre.
We are currently accepting submissions from Grade 12 students to be a part of this professional gallery exhibition. Applicants must currently be in Grade 12 and live in Aurora OR attend an Aurora high school.
Student Resources:
Exhibition Timeline (PDF – ~1Mb) – A document with all important dates and information for #MCOYA27 including deadlines, artwork drop-off/pick-up, and events.
Information Package (PDF – ~1Mb) – Informative and educational guide for students on writing artist statements and wiring artworks.
#MCOYA27 Presentation (PDF – ~98Mb) – An introductory presentation on what MCOYA is, who the Aurora Cultural Centre is, and what to expect from this project.
Programming and Important Dates:
#MCOYA27 Submission Deadline | January 15, 2027 at 11:59PM: Calling all Aurora-based Grade 12 students, submit your art now to be a part of #MCOYA27! Submission form is available on the Open Call webpage.
Artwork Drop-Off & Final Installation Party Day | February 2, 2027 from 12:00-5:00PM: Drop off your artwork for #MCOYA27 and stay for a pizza lunch and the installation party, a yearly MCOYA tradition! Volunteer hours are provided. Artwork(s) MUST be dropped off by 12:30PM the latest to be a part of the exhibition.
Opening Gala | February 12, 2027 from 6:30-8:30PM: A formal night to celebrate #MCOYA27 with the Mayor, peers, family, and other high-school artists! Light refreshments provided, and all are welcome. Opening remarks at 7PM.
Family Day | February 15, 2027 from 10AM – 3PM: The Aurora Cultural Centre is a part of Family Day programming at Town Square, a day of fun activities and opportunity to connect with the community.
Artwork Pick-Up Day 1 | April 7, 2027 from 11AM – 6PM: First of two Artwork Pick-Up dates. Offering extended hours until 6PM. If students miss this date, they may pick up their work on Artwork Pick-Up Day 2.
Artwork Pick-Up Day 2 | April 10, 2027 from 10AM – 1PM: Artwork(s) not picked up by 1:00PM will be discarded unless otherwise arranged with Adora via email.
E-Portfolio – Coming Soon!
Exhibiting students have an online portfolio component, bringing their accomplishments accessible beyond the gallery space. E-portfolio launches end of February.
Annual Student Art Show / #MCOYA Archive
