Members of the 2022–23 TCA gather on the steps on the MCA for a group photo.
Photo credit: Olive StefanskiTeen Creative Agency
About
The Teen Creative Agency (TCA) is the is the Museum of Contemporary Art's cultural leadership program for teens ages 15–19 years old. TCA members come together from all over the Chicago area to the museum once a week, from September thru June.
At the MCA, teens not only view but also 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.
When TCA members meet weekly, they create a space in the museum for teens’ ideas and perspectives to be seen and heard. They visit other cultural institutions, engaging with both peers and professionals in the field. Young people learn to recognize the value of others and the value they themselves bring to a community.
This growth in their agency and collaboration skills, as well as knowledge of public engagement and strengthening of the creative process, occurs under the guidance of the program’s Lead Artists: Olive Stefanski and Miguel Limon.
To learn more email Ahmad at [email protected] or call 312-397-4020 with questions.
TCA Members
- 2022–23 TCA Members
- Antje "Anne" Anneliese Schmidt Blanco
- Janariyana Marshall
- Jasper Skalla
- Luca Todorov
- Macie Spangler
- Madeleine Afable
- Maya Olivia Riley
- MJ Sails
- Sabrina Y. Watkins
- Saffiyah Sackor
- Taylore-Morgan Johnson
- Marse Rusk
Application and Apprenticeship
2024–25 TCA Application
Are you a curious, creative, and committed 15 to 19-year-old?
Interested in receiving up to $1,600 a year for making art, planning events, and gaining career expertise?
Applications open April 2024
About the TCA 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 MCA’s Learning Programs, curate and produce public events, act as ambassadors and advocate for youth in and beyond the museum, and facilitate workshops and pieces of training.
Current TCA Apprentice: Cassandra Castillo Valentin
Connect with TCA
Funding
Free admission for 18 and under is generously provided by Liz and Eric Lefkofsky.
Major support for Learning Programs at the Museum of Contemporary Art is provided by Julie and Larry Bernstein and Anonymous.
Additional generous support is provided by the Lois and Steve Eisen and The Eisen Family Foundation, Friends of Edwin A. Bergman Fund, the Hulda B. & Maurice L. Rothschild Foundation, Diane Kahan, The Marshall Frankel Foundation, D. Elizabeth Price and Lou Yecies, Carol Prins and John Hart/The Jessica Fund, and The William Randolph Hearst Foundations.