How a Regina Resident Combined Her Passions Into a Can’t Miss Concert

At 15-years-old, while her peers were spending their time playing sports and worrying about school, Amber Fink was creating Art For Change (AFC), a non-profit organization which has since raised over $10,000 for charity. 

“I’ve been involved in the Regina music scene from a young age. I’ve always really loved music and art,” said Fink. “I also got involved in activism spaces when I was young. I started protesting with Fridays for Future when I was 10.” 

By age 11, Fink was writing articles for social-justice magazines. At age 13, she became the Executive Director for Fridays for Future, an unprecedented age for such a large role in the organization. 

AFC is a live music event hosted multiple times per year with the goal of blending together art and activism on the prairies. The organization aims to raise money for local charities by bringing local musicians and speakers together to showcase their talents in an effort to support important initiatives. 

For Fink, starting AFC was a way she could blend her passions of activism and music together. 

The importance of volunteerism is paramount to AFC’s mission. While the group itself is volunteer led, the performers also donate their time to help raise money for charity. 

“The whole event is volunteer run. Everything is funded based off of grants or out of our own pockets,” said Fink. “Performers really make or break it and we’ve had some really committed, wonderful musicians who are willing to put on a good show and give their time.” 

While Fink is hesitant to boast about her personal accomplishments, fellow AFC member and friend Memphis Hartman shared high praise for Fink’s dedication and leadership. 

“Amber is hugely inspiring to me. Everything she does just leaves me in awe.” said Hartman. 

While Hartman is a devoted member of AFC, he has also had the opportunity to perform at multiple events including the first concert. 

“After the first one I was asked to help plan for the second,” said Hartman. “Amber planned the first one on her own which was super impressive.” 

Fink’s dedication and activism have helped shape AFC from the conception of the organization. However, Hartman notes that above all, Fink’s skills as a leader are paramount to the success of the group.

“Amber’s best strength as a leader is how she encourages us to be better.” said Hartman, “She never strikes down our ideas and really lets us spread our wings.”

AFC volunteer Neeve Reynolds shares similar sentiments to Hartman. Reynolds notes how having someone as dedicated as Fink leading their organization helps turn thoughts into reality. 

“Once she has an idea she follows through with it, showing how her dedication thrives,” said Reynolds. “These skills have helped AFC grow tremendously!” 

Reynolds noted how because of Fink’s dedication and powerful vision, AFC has grown more organized and visible. Additionally, she praised Fink for her work ethic and achievements.

“I aspire to be like her,” said Reynolds.

While the group aims to focus their events on local charities, the conflict in Gaza forced the group to break their rule and fundraise for a larger cause. 

“We donated to the Sameer Project this summer, which broke our rule of being solely Saskatchewan community focused,” said Fink. “We wanted to do something that helped the people in Gaza. We just felt that was so urgent and if we could do anything, then we wanted to.” 

Fink mentioned the importance of group collaboration when dealing with a large-scale charitable effort. AFC worked closely with Palestine Solidarity Regina to decide which organization their donations would benefit. Ultimately landing on the Sameer Project which they donated $3,022 towards. 

When Fink formed AFC, it began as a small initiative with a goal of creating change and sparking awareness on the prairies. 

Fink notes that from a young age she had high standards coupled with confidence in herself which led to pushing herself to achieve difficult goals. 

Despite confidence and a strong work ethic, Fink notes that there have been struggles along the way. More specifically, on the technical side of things. 

“On the music side of things there’s so much I didn’t know back then,” said Fink.

Alluding to the convoluted world of sound technology and navigating the difficulties of setting up an outdoor concert. 

However, AFC no longer worries about dealing with the issues outdoor shows create. Recently, the group struck a deal with the Artesian in Regina to host their events. In return for use of the space, AFC members regularly volunteer at the building. 

“This (Artesian’s donation of space) has been truly life-changing,” said Fink. “Having a home base where we don’t have to worry about paying for a venue has been monumental.”

Since the first AFC, the group has seen a steady incline of both donations and attendees with every new event. AFC six brought in $4,158 which was donated towards rebuilding the Regina Community Fridge.

This year, AFC has set the goal to raise $20,000 for various charities over the year which Fink admits is a tall task.

AFC 7 is scheduled for Mar. 27, 2026, with proceeds going towards female founded nonprofits across Regina. The lineup is composed of completely female acts including musicians and poets. Doors are set to open at 7 p.m. with the show starting at 8 p.m.

Feature Image: Amber Fink Speaking at AFC. Photo Provided by Amber Fink