21Minus
Featured images

21Minus 2018, curated by the Teen Creative Agency June 16, 2018
Photo: Grace DuVal, © MCA ChicagoTeens take over the MCA!
Teens take over the MCA with installations, workshops, performances, videos, music, and print works by Chicago artists under 21.
The MCA’s Teen Creative Agency—25 curious, creative 15–19-year-olds from all over the Chicagoland area—present the seventh annual 21Minus. This festival of teen creativity and passion fills the museum with exciting, out-there projects that invite visitors to engage with the museum and each other in unexpected ways. 21Minus is curated and produced by TCA.
This event is free for people age 21 and under and their families.
Youth-led events highlight Chicago artists under 21 years old and are organized by Grace Needlman, Manager of Youth and Family Programs, and Ellen Chu, Coordinator of Family, Youth, School, and Teacher Programs.
Program List
PROGRAM
Watch performances
2 pm The Virgin Jerry
2:45 pm Corn on My Dinner Plate
3:30 pm Logan Zayas
3:35 pm Sól
4:30 pm Phalair Carter
4:45 pm Jordan Martin
5:30 pm Final Celebration
Experience artists’ projects including:
- Photobooths by Yollocalli Arts Reach and Mya Cavner
- Live figure drawing with Jacob Torres
Interactive video and light installations by Ana Paramo and Ruth Plumb
- A scream closet by Alexis Yracheta
- Have a conversation you’ve always wanted to have with Rachel Dohner
Participate in workshops:
- Refurbish old skateboards with Sprucing Up Skateboards
- Add to a collaborative denim installation by Jonathan Swain
- Reimagine the value of brands in TCA’s “Workshop”
- Trade facts about black owned businesses for swag from Darius Jones
Catch sight of roving performances and fashion by:
- Zoe Haralambidis
- Tallulah Cartalucca and Kendra Lachick
Enjoy zines and prints by:
- Alexa Jurado
- Angel Cano
- Ethan Switall
- Lydia Quinnan
- Madison Grant
- Ariadna Perez and Daniel Brito-Virto
- Zoe Cloud
- Teen Creative Agency
Youth

Our teen programs aim to build a generation of connected, creative collaborators
Photo: Gillian Fry © MCA ChicagoThe MCA is committed to empowering young people in Chicago. This video highlights the award-winning programs that continue the museum’s legacy of youth-oriented education and position the MCA as a leading cultural resource within a diverse and energetic city.
Teen Creative Agency

TCA members inside Alexandre da Cunha's Figurehead, 2015. MCA Chicago Plaza Project: Alexandre da Cunha, Jul 18, 2015–Jul 24, 2016
Photo: Mikayla Delson © MCA ChicagoThe Teen Creative Agency (TCA) is the MCA's cultural leadership program for Chicago-area teens (14–19 years old). TCA members come together from all over the city and use contemporary art and the museum to create, dream, and envision around issues that are important to them.