Join us for music, free snacks, free zines, and more!

The Teen Creative Agency at the MCA is celebrating 12 years (and counting) of DIY publications by teens! This event showcases the original artwork, activism, and social practice of Chicago-area youth, as captured in zine form. TCA highlights teen ideas and perspectives in the museum space. Its members gather at the MCA from all over the Chicagoland area to collaboratively create public responses to relevant contemporary issues. In doing so, they build relationships alongside other cultural institutions, organizations, and professionals in Chicago’s vibrant art scene.

We are excited to have partnered with the Newberry Library in developing this year’s zines, which focus on the history and evolution of traditional Mexican foods including:

• Corn
• Watermelon
• Mole

This event is curated and produced by members of the Teen Creative Agency—a group of young people ages 15 to 19 from all over the Chicagoland area who meet weekly at the museum to view and engage with contemporary artists and their work, guided by Lead Artists Olive Stefanski and Miguel Limon. TCA is assisted by Ahmad Bracey, Manager of School, Youth, and Communities.

The Teen Creative Agency thanks all the visiting artists and organizations who have helped us realize Zine Fest 2023:

• The Newberry Research Library
• SAIC Service Bureau- Jennifer Keats
• Hoofprint Press
• Zine Mercado- Oscar Arriola
• Alberto Aguilar
• Normal Studios – Lucas Reif and Renata Graw