MOCA's Teen Art Council Provides Engaging Opportunities

Members of MOCA's Teen Art Council presenting at the Southeastern Museum Director’s Conference hosted by MOCA Jacksonville, alongside the program lead, Dr. Alarie Gibbs, Weaver Assistant Director of Education.

Every year, MOCA's Teen Art Council is tasked with increasing teen engagement with the museum through new and innovative programming and volunteering throughout the year to ensure that happens. The group recently wrapped up their 2023-2024 season by throwing a celebratory gala inspired by the exhibition A Walk on the Wild Side: '70s New York in the Norman E. Fisher Collection, presented in connection to MOCA's 100th anniversary. The '70s themed evening featured vendors, artists, musicians, and entertainers who were all teens themselves. This year, the gala hosted over 130 teens who had the opportunity to engage in the teen-centered event and enjoy access to the art in all the museum's galleries. The exclusive event was only open to the Teen Art Council and other teens ranging in age from 13-19 years old.  

Beyond teen programming, the MOCA Teen Art Council was also invited to present at the Southeastern Museum Director’s Conference hosted by MOCA Jacksonville, alongside the program lead, Dr. Alarie Gibbs, Weaver Assistant Director of Education. Three long-standing Teen Art Council Members: Isabelle Hansen, Yahalice Donayre, and Kierra Reese, served as panelists who talked about their experience with the Teen Art Council over the last three years. The teens led the participating museum directors in an inspiring discussion on the successes and challenges of the Teen Art Council, as well as how the program has evolved. The major takeaway from this presentation was we will continue to strengthen the relationship MOCA has with teens and teen volunteers by providing an intentional pipeline of engagement beginning with our youngest teen volunteers and moving forward with additional opportunities such as, teen teachers, interns, and hopefully one day—MOCA Jacksonville staff.  

Applications for the 2024-2025 Teen Art Council open July 1, so stay tuned for details!