This document discusses the findings of a study on the lasting impacts of intensive teen art programs at museums. It finds that such programs can have meaningful long-term effects on participants' lives by providing supportive mentors, opportunities to engage authentically with artworks and artists, and experiences that foster diversity. Alumni of these programs often credit them as being highly influential and life-changing forces that helped shape their values and relationship with art museums into adulthood. The study also found that intensive teen programs can help museums better serve underrepresented audiences and challenge institutional assumptions.

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ROOM TO RISE: The Lasting Impact of
Intensive Teen Programs in Art Museums

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DESIGNING THE STUDY

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A National Collaboration

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Rethinking Research

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CHANGING LIVES

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Key Engagement Strategies
● Supportive Staff Mentors
● Authentic Work
● Sustained Engagement
● Interactions with Artists
● Peer Diversity

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Lasting Impacts for Alumni

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Overall, respondents rated their teen art program
as the most positive influence in their youth.

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“It’s sort of a lifelong transformation. Having gone
through the program I’ve felt like the museum is home to
me. . . . Even if I’ve never been to a particular museum
before, I just know how to be in that space. I value
museums more and more.” (CAMH participant)

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PHOTO JOURNAL SNAPSHOT:
“Think big!” An artist only develops by learning to take risks. At the beginning of the
school year, most of my students dare not draw or paint on a sheet of paper larger than
8.5x11”. This is where I come in. with positive encouragement and clear expectations, all
students will paint on a 4’x5’ canvas that they build themselves. During my
apprenticeship at MOCA I was encouraged to take risks and learn from the
experiences.
– John Ildefonso (MOCA Participant)

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CHANGING MUSEUMS

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Institutional Impact
● By teens, for teens
● Taking risks
● Small numbers, big impact
● Challenging assumptions
● Building a diverse audience for the future
“The museum field, like the Walker staff, learned that underserved audiences
may, with proper and heartfelt welcome, become a devoted public.”
— Kathy Halbreich, former Director, Walker Art Center

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SHAPING OUR PRACTICE

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WHITNEY.ORG/ROOMTORISE
• Full downloadable report
• Technical supplement
• Sample instruments
• Video content and more
Heather Maxson, Director of School, Youth, and Family Programs
Whitney Museum of American Art: Heather_Maxson@whitney.org
Danielle Linzer, Curator of Education and Interpretation
The Andy Warhol Museum: LinzerD@warhol.org

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Questions?