Feature Story
SVU Student and Alumna Named First President and Secretary for LDSPMA’s New NextGen Program
It started with an email from the Launch Center. When Aurora Johnson (‘27) and Paysen Grandy (‘26), opened a message highlighting new opportunities for artists, neither knew it would lead to transformative national leadership roles in a national initiative for young creators.
Johnson and Grandy were selected to serve as president and secretary, respectively, of NextGen, a new initiative from Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media, & the Arts’ (LDSPMA) designed to empower the next generation of young creators nationwide. As the initiative’s first president and secretary, they have a unique opportunity to help shape the program from the beginning.
“When I think about 15-year-old me back in my hometown of Frankfurt, Kentucky, I had no idea there were people willing to help me become an artist if I wanted to be,” Johnson said. “I love that this organization values youth so much and believes they’re the ones who are going to make a big difference in the world. Being able to help connect them with resources is something I care a lot about.”
Grandy saw the initiative as a vital, Christ-centered community where young creators could build professional relationships, receive feedback, and find support as they begin their careers.
“Aurora’s fine arts background and my illustration focus make a really well-rounded team,” said Grandy. “LDSPMA creates a place where we can actually belong, build personal relationships, and get our foot in the door. Aurora is doing such a wonderful job as president.”
Along with other members of the leadership team, Johnson and Grandy are developing digital hubs—including a dedicated Discord server and interactive social media communities—where young artists can receive expert critiques and constructive feedback, participate in monthly creative challenges, and connect with others in a supportive, Christ-centered space.
As they prepare for October’s national conference in Utah, their primary focus is helping young creators build relationships and find opportunities.
“In a market that’s really oversaturated, personal relationships are how people actually get jobs,” Grandy added. “Critique and mentorship are so valuable for artists, and this community gives us an agency-level tool, but with a Christ-centered balance that helps us all understand we’re on the same team.”
For Johnson, the opportunity also builds on what she experienced at Southern Virginia University.
“I feel like my time at SVU helped me build confidence with leading a group, writing, and being part of a team,” Johnson reflected. “I’m just excited to give back and help youth find the same encouragement, creative opportunities, and connections that I’ve been blessed to find here.”