Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston (ICA) will deepen and extend its engagement with young people in grades 6–12. Project activities will include working with over 2,000 Boston-area teens through school partnerships and out-of-school programs that empower them to develop as creatives, individuals, and leaders. The museum is expanding programs to include pre-and early teens in grades 6–8 and will pilot an in-person program designed specifically to introduce them to the ICA's existing youth community and offer opportunities for future engagement. The pilot and ongoing offerings will emphasize social and emotional well-being using contemporary art. The project is designed to support teens' development of strengthened identity, creativity, transferable skills, and community engagement, particularly in response to the challenges of wellness and academic and social disruption experienced during the pandemic.