MAD’s youth programs are designed to enhance the creativity, confidence and success of its participants. Through active participation in workshops, studio visits, volunteerism and other learning opportunities, participants in youth programs are well-prepared for success in high school, college and beyond.
The Museum’s talented artists and educators work with young people to expose them to the creative process and introduce them to new ideas and skills engage them in learning about the world of work through workshops, guest speakers, field trips, discussions, mentoring, and job shadowing.
Portfolio Development Program MAD is offering a series of intensive studio art portfolio preparation classes designed for rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who are interested in majoring in art in college.
All classes will take place in MAD’s outstanding new art facility and provide opportunities to meet with museum curators, other artists, mentors, teachers and college representatives who will help offer individual feedback and informal group critiques. This will help students be aware of their progress as well as areas that may need further development and give students ample time during their high school years to benefit from the feedback.
This preparatory class is designed to give students the competitive edge they need when applying to art colleges. The course will teach students how to create a winning portfolio designed to impress both college admissions offices and art department faculty.
Career Exploration The department hosts several career development sessions for high school students throughout the year registered with the Greater New York Council’s Exploring program. Students learn about career options and opportunities in museums, the arts, and non-profit management. These experiences include meeting key members of the Museum’s staff, visiting guest speakers and working hands-on on special projects.
Student Advisory Committee This new committee is made up of local high school students interested in bringing new perspectives to the Museum. This year-long committee allows students to share their thoughts on how best to engage their peers in the understanding of both contemporary arts and design and the role of museums in their community. Members are granted behind the scenes access to the Museum as well as the opportunity to work on various art-related peer programs. This opportunity requires a commitment of two hours per monthfrom August through May. Regular meetings are held on Wednesdays after school hours, with the possibility of occasional weekend activities.
MAD for Art (MFA) Collaboration with local school students selected to visit MAD to learn about our exhibitions and train with a MAD artist educator and/or senior-level docent in preparation for leading group tours. After training, student docents return with their classes to lead them through the exhibitions, engaging them in a dialogue about the works of art.
Paid Internship Program: ARTSLife
Seven-week, full time paid summer internship for 6 NYC high school students + one graduate student who is direct supervisor of program. Students become involved in a range of professional activities, including teaching in Museum galleries, assisting in Artists Studios, doing research and a variety of other duties related to operation of non-profit cultural institutions. Interns work w/ Museum ed. and curatorial staff to develop their own exhibition, on view on 6th floor.
Claymation Workshops Exploration of sculpture and set design, stopmotion animation and a journey into the process of creative collaboration. Program delivered by artist facilitators trained in sculpture and filmmaking and empowering youth to speak up about the changes they wish to see in their community and the world. Working in small groups, students will conceptualize, mold, animate and edit a claymation final project. A culminating juried student film festival will be held in the Museum’s 155-seat auditorium.
For more information or to be on the mailing list for these and other opportunities for youth, please call the department at 212.299.7759 or e-mail
aliza.boyer@madmuseum.org.