MCA Chicago Teen Creative Agency

Organization: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

Quick Answer

MCA Chicago Teen Creative Agency is a free arts program run by Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago for high school students in grades 9–12. It takes place in person in Chicago, IL. No fixed deadline is listed — check the official site for current dates.

Program Overview

The MCA's cultural leadership program for Chicago-area teens: weekly Saturday sessions from September to June making art and producing public events, with stipends of up to $1,600 a year.

# MCA Chicago Teen Creative Agency The Teen Creative Agency (TCA) is the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago's intensive cultural leadership program for teens roughly ages 15-19 from across the Chicago area. TCA members come together at the museum once a week, September through June, to collaborate on creative projects and curate public events inside one of the country's major contemporary art museums. ## What You'll Do - Meet every Saturday at the MCA from September through June - Develop and produce creative projects and public programs for museum audiences - Work alongside artists, curators, and museum staff - Earn stipends of up to $1,600 a year for making art, planning events, and gaining career expertise ## Who Should Apply Curious, creative, and committed Chicago-area teens. The 2026-27 application listed eligibility as ages 14-18 and Chicago-area residency; no art portfolio or prior museum experience is required. Applications are submitted through the MCA's site, typically in early spring. ## Outcomes TCA alumni leave with real event-production and curatorial experience, a paid arts leadership credential, a peer network across Chicagoland, and direct exposure to careers in museums and the contemporary arts.

Program Details

Key facts about MCA Chicago Teen Creative Agency
Organizer	Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Category	Arts & Humanities
Format	In-Person
Location	Chicago, IL
Cost	Free
Eligibility	Grades 9–12
Application deadline	Rolling / not listed
Time commitment	~3 hours/week
Country	USA
Listing last updated	July 12, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does MCA Chicago Teen Creative Agency cost?

MCA Chicago Teen Creative Agency is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

Who is eligible for MCA Chicago Teen Creative Agency?

MCA Chicago Teen Creative Agency is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

Is MCA Chicago Teen Creative Agency online or in person?

MCA Chicago Teen Creative Agency is an in-person program based in Chicago, IL. Expect a time commitment of roughly 3 hours per week.

How do I apply to MCA Chicago Teen Creative Agency?

Apply directly through Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

Similar Programs You May Like

Explore these related extracurricular opportunities:

Walker Art Center Teen Arts Council (WACTAC) - Free | MN
Expanding the Walls - Free | NY
Teen Team - Free | GA
Young Ambassadors Program - Free | DC
Whitney Museum Youth Insights - Free | NY

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Visit the official program website: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

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