Inspiring interdisciplinary innovations to solve problems in social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

NOW! is dedicated to not just raising awareness, but also engaging young people, facilitating discussions, promoting interdisciplinary thinking, initiating action and celebrating the synergy of sustainability, innovation, and creativity through the arts.
We value friendship, optimism, inspiration, empowerment, sustainability, diversity and accessibility.

Our Story

NOW: N__ O__ W__? We’ve long given up the quest for its acronym. “NOW!” it remains, bold and daring, demanding action this second.

Passionate about the arts, sciences, innovations, and sustainability, Janny Ke founded NOW! with the help of her best friends Chloe Tsang, Jiemi Gao, Angela Park and numerous others in 2006. Since its inception as the NOW What? Conference, change-makers from diverse backgrounds have jumped on board to turn NOW! into a non-profit run entirely by youth volunteers. In 2008, Janny and Alyssa Kostello co-founded the Act NOW! National Playwriting Competition which has since evolved into a performance writing festival open to people from around the world. Through creative grassroots programs, NOW! has inspired and empowered 3000+ youth, many of whom have in turn been leading sustainability programming in their own communities. NOW! has been featured by media outlets including The Vancouver Sun, 24 Hours, and Sustainability TV.

We are extremely thankful for the generous support, advice, and guidance we have received from the community and beyond. Inspired by the power of communities, we are transforming NOW! into a movement that connects and empowers aspiring change-makers with latitude, opportunities, and mentorship to take their community service to the next level.