Youth
At the MCA, young people not only view but engage with contemporary art and artists. The MCA makes museum resources accessible to youth so that they may dream, plan, and create responses to the issues that are important to them.
Programs
Teen Creative Agency
The Teen Creative Agency (TCA) is the Museum of Contemporary Art’s cultural leadership program for teens ages 15–19. TCA members from all over the Chicago area come together at the museum once a week, from September thru June. During this time they increase their agency and collaboration skills, as well as their knowledge of public engagement and the creative process.
The 2024–25 TCA group
Photo © MCA ChicagoYouth-Led Events
21Minus
The MCA is proud to highlight Chicago artists and cultural leaders under 21. The Teen Creative Agency, in partnership with organizations from across Chicago, designs and hosts events, including deep conversations, performances, and activities; artist-led workshops; an annual Zine Release Party; and 21Minus, the signature annual festival of art and experiences that are created by and for people under 21. These events, and many more, are led by Chicago youth and are free and open to visitors of all ages.
TCA Alumni Apprenticeship
This one-year, part-time staff position for Teen Creative Agency (TCA) alumni bridges the gap between youth programs and museum careers.
Apprentices build their professional portfolios by designing programs and facilitating dialogue about urgent social issues for staff and audiences of all ages and backgrounds. They work across the MCA’s Learning Programs, curate and produce public events, act as ambassadors and advocates for youth in and beyond the museum, and facilitate workshops and trainings.
Funding
Free admission for 18 and under is generously provided by Liz and Eric Lefkofsky.
Teen Creative Agency
Generous support for the Teen Creative Agency is provided by the Dr. Scholl Foundation and Peoples Gas Community Fund. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
Lead support for Learning programs at the MCA is provided by Jana and Bernardo Hees.
Major support is provided by Carol Prins and John Hart/The Jessica Fund.
Additional generous support is provided by the Friends of Edwin A. Bergman Fund, the Hulda B. & Maurice L. Rothschild Foundation, Diane Kahan, The Marshall Frankel Foundation, and The William Randolph Hearst Foundations.
SPACE
Lead support for SPACE is provided by Crown Family Philanthropies.
Major support is provided by the Polk Bros. Foundation.
Additional generous support is provided by the Dr. Scholl Foundation.
