Dances of India performed in collaboration with Whoop Dee Doo for a Matisse and the Sea-themed Teen Takeover event organized by the Teen Arts Council.
Since its inception in 2012, the Teen Arts Council has been an active and influential voice at the Saint Louis Art Museum. Applications are now open for a new cohort of St. Louis-area teens to get involved.
TAC members meet for two hours twice each month from September through May to help create and lead SLAM programs. Meetings feature hands-on activities, behind-the-scenes experiences, and opportunities to learn directly from various staff members.
Dances of India performed in collaboration with Whoop Dee Doo for a Matisse and the Sea-themed Teen Takeover event organized by the Teen Arts Council.
“TAC has been a great introduction to the museum scene and how it works. This has grown my interest in working with people, as we collaborate in making decisions,” said Tasharra Winston, who joined the council in 2023.
TAC welcomes applicants who have a variety of interests, including art, technology, history, music, science, and more. The program is an opportunity for members to bring their unique perspectives, foster community through collaborative projects, and be inspired to think creatively as young leaders.
The council hosts two major programs each year at the Museum: Teen Takeover, which happens in the fall and spring, and the Young Artists Exhibition in May.
Teen Takeover is created by and for teens, allowing TAC members the opportunity to have a hand in every step of the event-planning process. With a Matisse and the Sea theme, the Teen Takeover event in 2024 featured a collaborative performance with artist collective Whoop Dee Doo, a scavenger hunt, paper boat competitions, and a teen lounge. TAC members designed the marketing materials, promoted the event on social media, partnered with outside organizations, and facilitated during the event. They even took on the more creative role of performing with Whoop Dee Doo.
The first Teen Takeover event of 2024 featured a collaboration with Whoop Dee Doo for a Matisse and the Sea opening event.
“I enjoyed being in a creative environment where ideas turned into creations. My favorite event was working with Whoop Dee Doo,” said Malik Whitten, a TAC member since 2023. “I also loved having the opportunity to collaborate with others, bouncing ideas off each other—and always having snacks. It is a good opportunity to have after school.”
On view through November 1, 2024, in SLAM’s student gallery, TAC members also curated the Young Artists Exhibition. The council developed the theme Connection Through Curiosity and invited St. Louis-area teens to submit artwork. With the help of SLAM educators, TAC members jury the work, learn about the installation process, and organize the exhibition.
Applications to join the Teen Arts Council are available online now and due by July 15, 2024. Applicants should submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, principal, advisor, or other unrelated adult who has known the applicant for six months or longer. Eligible applicants are 14–18 years old.
To learn more about the program, visit the Teen Arts Council page or email teens@slam.org.