We introduce teen audiences to the artistic voices present at MASS MoCA, with an emphasis on joy, exploration, visibility, and fresh perspectives on our work. Through these programs, MASS MoCA endeavors to incubate the next generation of artists and creatives.
Teen Activators
The Teen Activators at MASS MoCA is a distinctive opportunity for local teens to engage with the museum. The Teen Activators program is designed as a structured channel to empower our teen audiences to have a substantive voice in our institution and offerings. This program provides teens with an avenue through which to learn cultural work and strategy, developing valuable skills in leadership, collaboration in groups across a wide array of constituents, analysis, and communication, and actively working with our team to lay the groundwork for our institutional future. Cohorts of 15–16 Activators aged 16–18 – one held in the spring, and one held in the summer – will engage in intensive programming at the museum for 8–10 weeks, giving students extended exposure to all aspects of the museum’s work, develop their literacy in the visual and performing arts, nurture their own creative practices, and gain valuable professional skills that translate to a wide range of industries. These teen leaders meet 2-3 times per week and provide input on multiple facets of our programming and events, including artist-in-residence showings and open studios, public and youth tours, and our annual Teen Invitational exhibition, among others. Check out information about the program, or apply now!
Teen Invitational
2024 Teen Invitational Opening Celebration: Friday, April 12, 6–8pm
Teen Invitational Exhibition Open: Friday, April 12 – Sunday, April 14
Now in its twelfth year, the MASS MoCA Teen Invitational is one of our hallmark youth programs: a weekend-long exhibition featuring over 250 works of visual art by students and teachers in ten high schools in the northern Berkshires (The Academy at Charlemont, BART Charter School, Buxton School, Darrow High School, Drury High School, Hoosac Valley Middle and High School, McCann Technical High School, Mt. Greylock Regional School, Pine Cobble School, and Pittsfield High School). The goal of the Invitational is to reach all students who engage with visual art and who have made excellent work, inside or outside school settings.