Engaging Adolescents

Tuesday, October 16, 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Organized by Ken Cole, associate director, National Guild for Community Arts Education.

Presented by Traci Slater-Riguad, director, National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards; Jon Hinojosa, artistic and executive director, SAY Sí.

Space is limited at offsite sessions, so a ticket is re­quired. Tickets will be avail­able at the reg­is­tration desk beginning at 7:00 am on Tuesday mor­ning. If the tickets for a session are all gone, you will know that it is full and can make another choice.

Buses for offsite sessions will depart from the main entrance of the hotel at 2:00 pm on Tuesday.

Research indicates that high quality arts education programs can address adolescents’ developmental needs by supporting the acquisition of artistic and life skills, positive self-image, and a sense of belonging. Yet a recent survey by the National Guild for Community Arts Education indicates that many arts education providers are challenged to recruit teens and sustain their involvement in out-of-school-time arts learning programs.

The recently released "Engaging Adolescents Guidebook" describes methods of integrating youth development and arts education practices to help teens grow as artists while accomplishing the key developmental tasks of adolescence. This blended approach can increase teens’ involvement and multiply positive outcomes. Join us as we explore these practices, review case studies of successful youth arts education programs, and discuss how best to support the development of arts education programs that catalyze teens’ potential and inspire lifelong engagement in the arts.

Session Location: Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami
The Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami opened in 1996 as an expansion of the original Center of Contemporary Art, which originally opened as a single gallery space in 1981. The state-of-the-art building houses over 12,000 square feet of exhibition space and an outdoor courtyard. Known for its provocative and innovative exhibitions, and for seeking a fresh approach in examining the art of our time, the museum maintains an active exhibition schedule of eight to ten exhibitions annually.

The MOCA Art Institute offers an array of comprehensive educational programs in art and communications that promote a well-rounded understanding of art and the world. Building on over 15 years of experience, MOCA’s innovative programs use engaging curriculum and a dynamic museum environment to build skills, develop aesthetic understanding and analysis, and promote creativity through exposure, experience, and interdisciplinary discussion. Over 20,000 students annually benefit from MOCA’s education programs that inspire participants to become life-long learners and lovers of art.

From studio classes to social events, MOCA offers a roster of programs that engage young people ages 13-19 in the vibrant world of contemporary art. Empowered by their interest in the arts, teen students participate in twelve free afterschool programs, viewing MOCA as a meeting place to explore, investigate, experience, and socialize in an arts-focused setting that is safe, supportive, and fun.