Teen poetry reading at Teen Zine Festival.
Courtesy of ICA SF.
Teens screen-printing at SF Art Week party at ICA SF.
Courtesy of Drew Altizer.
Teens exhibiting artwork at Teen Zine Festival.
Courtesy of ICA SF.
Find your pathway in art, arts leadership, and creative practice
The ICA SF Teen Program is a dynamic and concentrated experience rooted in the values of ICA SF: to explore the most critical social, political, and cultural questions of our time through contemporary art. Through classes led by museum educators, teens will explore contemporary art, engage in critical discourse, and learn about creative career paths. The program culminates in an art exhibition talk that will include elements from each session, planned and delivered by participants for the public. Ultimately, the program empowers teens to think critically, create with purpose, and share their perspectives with the world.
In sessions that meet twice a month led by museum educators, teens will explore contemporary art through a balance of dialogue, hands-on explorations, and public speaking. The program offers opportunities to connect art with the community, explore creative careers and arts leadership, and build skills for thoughtful interpretation.
The program will culminate in a public engagement day featuring youth-led exhibition tours and workshops that highlight the skills developed throughout the program. Participants will continue to be included in ICA SF and Bay Area arts-related events in the future.
Session dates: September 20th, October 4th, October 18th, November 1st, November 15th.
Students who attend all five sessions will be given a $150 honorarium for their time in the program.
DEADLINE: Thursday, September 4th. Considered applications will need to participate in a mandatory interview.
Funding support for our Teen Program is generously provided by the Foundation for Quality Housing Opportunities.
Who?
The ICA SF Teen Program is open to students ages 15-18 living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Any level of experience with art is welcome… from none to tons!
What?
Guided in part by the exhibitions on view, the Teen Program cohort will participating in a balance between discussions and hands-on processes to learn more about art exhibitions, contemporary art and artists, community-building, and different pathways to creative careers and arts leadership. The Teen Program is led by artist and educator Michelle Yi Martin, and ICA SF Education & Program Manager Edie Trautwein.
When?
The cohort will meet twice a month on Saturdays, 1–3:30pm, from September 20th–November 15th, 2025.
Where?
The Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco (ICA SF) at The Cube at 345 Montgomery Street.
Questions? Email education@icasanfrancisco.org
Michelle Yi Martin is an educator and multi-disciplinary artist based in San Francisco. She has taught humanities and arts-interdisciplinary workshops for over two decades to Middle and High School students and adults. Her practice is rooted in the long progressive traditions of inquiry-based and experiential learning. Yi Martin holds a Masters in Education and a California Teaching Credential in English. She is also a practicing artist who regularly exhibits bodies of woven sculptures.