21Minus
Announcement
This year’s 21Minus has been postponed.
Led by members of the Teen Creative Agency (TCA), 21Minus is the MCA’s annual celebration of the vision and voices of Chicago artists and creative leaders under the age of 21. TCA’s creative energy is now being directed towards encouraging the museum to embrace anti-racist practices within an abolitionist framework. Sparked by the need for transparency regarding any museum funding of the Chicago Police Department, the TCA has called on museum leadership to address structural inequities throughout the institution. TCA members envision a museum that celebrates the value of Black lives not only in its exhibition program but in its internal workings and public communication.
Youth programs staff at the MCA support TCA’s efforts to radically reimagine ourselves, our institutions, and our world. In order to support this ongoing work, MCA youth programming has been paused. Youth programs staff are committed to anti-oppressive learning in working with youth, wholeheartedly supporting their organizing efforts, and the structural changes to this program that will come from this youth collective.
Join the MCA’s Teen Creative Agency for a virtual celebration of Chicago artists under 21.
Explore live workshops and performances, downloadable zines, and DIY activities that open up conversations about power, justice, and creative agency. Build community virtually with other youth and adult allies.
TCA is excited to invite people of all ages to participate in our first ever virtual takeover. This program is free and open to anyone, of any age, anywhere in the world. Join us on the MCA website and Zoom on June 13!
Follow @tcaatmca and #21Minus on Instagram for more details.
Featured images
21Minus 2019, curated by the Teen Creative Agency June 15, 2019
Photo: Torie McMillan, © MCA ChicagoAbout
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 and creative 15 to 19-year-olds from all over the Chicagoland area—present the eighth annual 21Minus. This festival of teen creativity and passion fills the museum with exciting 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
Gallery activity with TCA Members, 2013
© MCA ChicagoAt 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.
Teen Creative Agency
Members of the Teen Creative Agency 2019-2020
The Teen Creative Agency (TCA) is the Museum of Contemporary Art's cultural leadership program for teens age 15–19 years old. TCA members come together from all over the Chicago area to the museum once a week, from September thru June.
Help build our network of support.
We are looking to build relationships with youth and adult accomplices across the city. Share your contact information and a message for TCA via this Google Form.