# 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.