The Bay Area Creative Foundation (BACF), founded by long-time Bay Area resident and arts supporter Dr. Emil Kakkis, is a nonprofit that seeks to celebrate creative experimentation and practice. Through our annual awards program, the Creative Youth Awards (CYA), we recognize artistic expression and encourage community support for Bay Area high school students working in a range of art disciplines. We want young creatives to know they have an important place in the world and are valued by their communities.