Akilah Newton, founder and executive director of Overture with the Arts (OWTA), has dedicated the past 16 years to ensuring that every young person, regardless of financial background, has access to quality arts education. Founded in 2009, the Montreal-based non-profit provides free and low-cost programs in music, dance, theatre, and media arts, empowering youth to express themselves and discover their creative potential.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Overture with the Arts (OWTA) is a Montreal-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing accessible arts education. Through our free and low-cost programs in performing arts, visual arts, and media arts, we empower young people, regardless of financial barriers, to explore their passions. By fostering creativity and self-expression, OWTA helps shape the next generation of artists, performers, and storytellers.
What problem does it aim to solve?
OWTA aims to fill a critical gap in access to performing arts education for youth, particularly minority-language Anglophone youth living in Montreal’s West Island. Many of these young people have limited opportunities to explore their passions in music, dance, theatre, and other creative disciplines because of a lack of affordable programs. By offering free and low-cost, high-quality arts education, OWTA provides a space where youth can discover their artistic potential, build confidence, and connect with peers who share their interests.
When did you start/join it?
I’m the founder. I started Overture with the Arts in 2009.
What made you want to get involved?
I founded OWTA because I’ve always been passionate about the arts and their ability to be a vehicle for positive change. This passion began at a young age, and after earning my Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Music and Entertainment Management, I realized how important it is for young people to have access to arts education. That inspired me to create OWTA, a vibrant network where youth from all backgrounds can explore their creativity and develop their talents through the performing arts.
What was the situation like when you started?
When OWTA first began, we were a very small organization with a big dream of reaching and inspiring thousands of youth in Montreal through our programs. As a new initiative, we were not yet well known in the community and had very limited funding to bring our programs to life. Despite these challenges, our passion and commitment to making arts education accessible kept us moving forward.
How has it changed since?
Fast forward 16 years, and we have reached over 90,000 youth through our programs, school tours and presentations across Canada, community events, and more. We are now fully staffed and supported by an amazing team of board members. OWTA has grown significantly since its inception, and I could not be prouder.
What more needs to be done?
While OWTA has made significant progress in expanding access to the arts, there is still more work to be done. Many Anglophone youth in Montreal, particularly those from low-income and marginalized communities, continue to face barriers such as cost, transportation, and limited program availability in their areas. More investment in community-based arts programs is needed to ensure that creative opportunities are not concentrated in central Montreal or available only to families who can afford them. We also need spaces that are affirming and inclusive of all ethnicities, races, and identities. OWTA prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion practices throughout our organization to help combat the discrimination these communities continue to face.
How can our readers help?
There are many ways readers can help bridge the gap in access to arts education. Donations to OWTA directly support free and low-cost programs that allow youth to explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop new skills. Beyond financial support, readers can also get involved by volunteering, spreading the word about our programs, or partnering with us to bring arts opportunities to more communities. Every contribution, whether time, resources, or advocacy, helps ensure that all youth, regardless of background, have the chance to experience the transformative power of the arts.
Do you have any events coming up?
We’ll be hosting our 16-year anniversary fundraiser on Saturday, April 11, at Grandé Studios in LaSalle. The event, Mixtapes and Milestones, will celebrate OWTA’s journey with a fun ’90s theme. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
WIBCA – West Island Black Community Association
