Youth engagement: Strategic recommendations for the Vancouver writers fest

The Vancouver Writers Fest (VWF) has been a staple in Vancouver's literary community producing literary events since 1988. Recognizing that the profile of the Festival attendees is skewed older, in 2021, the organization embarked on building a strategy to attract younger audience members by developing the range and depth of the young audience, building a stronger base, and adding to its financial sustainability. The VWF's overall strategy is meant to be inclusive and engage young audiences from diverse communities in Vancouver. This report analyzes the VWF's audiences, members, and volunteers and explores the challenges and barriers for young people to participate in events. The case study explores strategies to overcome these barriers.