Connect
Create
Collaborate
Our core value
People and creativity
Quality
Impact
Health and wellness
Our Mission
Canvas Institute's mission is to provide a platform for the next generation of creatives, civic, community, and political leaders to collaborate through the design and implementation of solutions that respond to local needs and provide underserved communities with tools to live a health conscious lifestyle.
Our Approach
As a non-profit, our goal is to provide training tools and support to the underserved in our communities to catalyze change and yield meaningful and measurable impact.
Our Programs
We use our platform to work with different groups of people, including individuals, communities, schools, public officials, and institutions. We engage with our community in various ways, using both low and high levels of interaction to achieve our goals.
Our Services
We are highly skilled at engaging people through a variety of methods, including virtual and in-person surveys, as well as coordinating community events.
Our adaptable space can host a variety of activities, such as yoga classes, spoken word performances, and art exhibitions.
Furthermore, we rent out space for cultural events or school functions, utilizing cutting-edge technology to streamline the booking process.
Our Programs
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Growing compassionate systems in our classrooms
Canvas Institute presents a program that integrates Compassionate Systems tools with art and creative expression. We equip young students with instruments and techniques for social-emotional learning and well-being education. Our program encompasses self-regulation abilities and violence reduction training, alongside various other resources designed to foster compassion and enhance understanding
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Internship Program
Canvas Institute takes great pride in establishing partnerships and fostering collaborations with schools and esteemed organizations. Our collective goal is to offer internship opportunities to the youth of Staten Island, enabling them to make meaningful and positive contributions to our community. By consistently providing such initiatives, we aim to empower our young individuals to build stronger and healthier relationships within our neighborhoods. Together, we can create a brighter future for our youth and our community.
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Chess Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, Canvas Institute hosts chess tournaments specifically tailored for Staten Island's youth, and the impact on the community has been undeniably positive. These weekly chess events extend far beyond just games on a board; they serve as a cornerstone for community building and personal development
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Unlocking Transformation: The Power of Art Programs & Exhibitions
In the realm of thriving art programs, lies the potential for profound transformation. Within these nurturing environments, creativity flourishes, and young artists come together in collaborative harmony, crafting works of art that transcend individual limitations. At the heart of such programs is the principle of empowering young minds to lead the way. This belief, exemplified by visionary Bobby Digi Olisa, forms the cornerstone of our journey into the world of art programs. Join us as we explore how these programs empower youth to express their concerns, hopes, and visions, ultimately fostering a brighter future through their art.
Growing Compassionate SyStems In Our Schools
Our CEO, Bobby Digi offers a program that combines Compassionate Systems tools with art and creative expression. With almost 30 years of experience in grassroots work and MIT-certified training, we provide young students with tools and practices for social-emotional learning and well-being education. Our program includes self-regulation skills and violence reduction training, among other tools that promote compassion and understanding.
CANVAS INSTITUTE YOUTUBE Channel
“UPLIFTING THOSE”
We are excited to announce the launch of our new YouTube channel! At the Canvas Institute, we explore the diverse immigrant communities in Staten Island through our channel.
You can watch Season One now on our Canvas Institute Channel. Hit the subscribe button below to stay updated and watch our awesome and impactful content.
20TH ANNUAL YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT
Every generation deserves a room that was built for them.
For twenty consecutive years, Canvas Institute and Island Voice have built that room — right here in Staten Island. Not with noise. Not with hype. With consistency, community, and an unwavering commitment to young people who deserve more than just a seat at the table. They deserve the whole stage.
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the 20th Annual Youth Empowerment Summit takes over the iconic St. George Theatre for five hours of programming that will challenge, inspire, and equip the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.
This is not a conference. This is not a ceremony.
This is a movement — and you are invited.
"Let the work speak. Everything else is noise."
— Bobby Digi Olisa, Canvas Institute
WHAT TO EXPECT ON MAY 16
Five hours. Multiple stages. One unforgettable experience.
The 2026 Youth Empowerment Summit is designed for every young person who has ever been told to wait their turn. The programming is hands-on, high-energy, and built around the issues that matter most to youth in our community right now.
This year's sessions include:
🧠 Youth Mental Health & Emotional Wellness
💼 Career Readiness & Workforce Development
💰 Financial Literacy & Wealth Building
🤖 Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Work
🗳️ Civic Engagement & Community Leadership
🎤 Live Performances, Panels & Special Presentations
Saturday, May 16, 2026 🕛 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Doors Open 11:30 AM 📍 St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt Street, Staten Island, NY 10301
The 17th Annual Island Voice Youth Empowerment Summit
The 17th Island Voice Annual Youth Empowerment Summit was held at the Historic St. George Theatre and was attended by over 240 students and adults. The event aimed to empower the youth and provide them with the resources they need to thrive. The summit began with inspiring speeches by myself, the Staten Island School District Superintendent, Dr. Marion Wilson, and Council Member Kamillah Hanks. The highlight of the summit was an interactive discussion led by youth, where students from various schools shared their ideas and solutions for "Violence in Our Schools."
The summit also featured panel discussions on Civic Engagement 101 and Government 101, financial planning workshops, spoken word workshops, and performances by various groups. The success of the summit was attributed to the hard work and dedication of the Canvas team and the support of sponsors and partners such as Warner Music Group, CHASE Bank, Con Edison, and many more.
The 17th Island Voice Annual Youth Empowerment Summit showcased the power of a community coming together to support its youth. The event provided a platform for young people to voice their concerns and ideas while also equipping them with resources and knowledge to effect change. The success of the summit demonstrated the impact of organizations like the Canvas Institute of Arts, Culture, and Civic Engagement in educating and organizing to solve community issues.
Sincerely,
Bobby Digi
Founder & Executive Director
Canvas Institute
