The MCA’s Teen Creative Agency—a collective of teenagers from all over the Chicagoland area—presents 21Minus. This annual showcase of teen creativity and passion fills the museum with exciting projects that invite visitors to engage with the museum and each other in unexpected ways.
21Minus is curated and produced by TCA with support from Lead Artists Olive Stefanski and Miguel Limon, and Ahmad Bracey, Manager of Youth and Schools. It is free for people age 21 and under and their families.
This year, 21Minus is featuring live performances. The Teen Creative Agency is responding to the needs of young people today. For many, music and performance are an entry point for arts and culture. By curating a set of live acts, the TCA hopes to connect youth audiences with contemporary art by introducing them through a medium they already know. Along the way, we invite the public to explore other forms of performance alongside our suite of art exhibitions in the museum.
The 2026 Lineup
First Floor
The Edlis Neeson Theater Stage
- Mariachi Jaguar Juvenil Explores Latin America | Live Music
- Asase Ye Duru — The Sanctuary | Live Drumming and Movement
- ALT(H)EREGO | Dance Performance
- Kontour | Live Music
MCA Plaza
- Against the Run of Play | Durational Performance Art
- Spiral | Performance Art
Second Floor
The Commons Stage
- Current Union | Live Music
- Michael Ciesielski Quartet | Live Music
The Atrium Stage
- Chemistry | Dance Performance
- Kaynines | Live Music
Join our finale celebrating our community at 5:30 pm on the 2nd-floor mainstage!
Searching for a specific project?
- Look for signage on each floor
- Ask a friendly volunteer, artist, or staff
- Find more information on out IG: @TCAatMCA
Tips for exploring 21Minus:
- Be unapologetically you
- Respect things even if you can’t feel them/Respect the unknown
- Listen to one another—listening is a form of respect
- Meet Your neighbor (Be hospitable)
- Commit to authenticity