Teen Art Council

at the Gadsden Arts Center & Museum

About

The Gadsden Arts Center & Museum launched a new, experimental Teen Art Council program designed to engage high school students through weekly meetings, interdisciplinary learning, and creative projects. The students selected to participate in the Teen Art Council met weekly to learn about the museum and its exhibitions. The teens were paid a stipend for their service, and in their time on the council, they developed several programs, including a student show inspired by artworks in the "Hofmann to Warhol" exhibition, an art talk, a student art competition, Teen Zine, and a family day at the museum during Quincy’s Porchfest, a community music festival in which they also completed a large-scale chalk mural.

Intended Outcome

The Gadsden Arts Center & Museum’s overall goal for this program was to connect 10 teens with the museum in meaningful ways, create new programs by teens for teens, and create a deeper understanding of the “Hofmann to Warhol” exhibition among teens.

Actual Outcome

The program achieved its goals by empowering nine teenagers to explore art, history, writing, and music, while building meaningful connections with their community and the museum.

Advice Post Project

Working with teenagers to develop teen programs is an essential way to encourage youth to engage with museums and the arts. Providing paid opportunities is a vital component to keeping the students engaged.