‘Youth Interactive’ organization celebrates grand opening in Downtown Santa Barbara

Youth Interactive, an entrepreneurial arts academy, is celebrating the grand opening of their new Downtown Santa Barbara location Thursday evening.

Youth Interactive had been based in the Funk Zone for the last five years in a 1,600 square foot building. The program has now moved to a 13,000 square foot facility at 1219 State Street.

The art academy’s plan for the new space includes retail storefront to sell the students’ products, support young entrepreneurs, and local artist, and other nonprofits while continuing their successful educational model.

The building will also house an art gallery space, and academic tutoring, to help provide kids with endless amounts of life lessons.

“Youth interactive is a unique educational program, and we empower youth through the arts and entrepreneurship,” said Nathalie Gensace, the Founder of Youth Interactive space. “Basically we run youth base businesses through the arts and the kids sell their products and keep the money, and they can fire each other. It’s like real life experiences in a really safe environment.”

Youth Interactive is also hoping this new move will help revitalize State Street.