WMA Teens
WMA Teens is a council of up to 12 Wiregrass area high school Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors who love art and the connections art can make in a community. This council works together to create and implement museum programming for teens, by teens. During this school year-long commitment, council members learn all about museum operations from the WMA Staff and they have the chance to meet with regional artists who can help guide them in their artistic pursuits post-high school. The council also creates, preps, and hosts Teen Night for area teens, learning valuable skills such as budgeting, event planning, marketing/promotions, and project management.
Learn more about past WMA Teens councils here. Be on the lookout for more updates about WMA’s current 2022-2023 Teen Council.
The Details
WMA programming by teens, for teens.
Open to Wiregrass Area Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. Looking for up to 12 for the first year.
All applicants must attend ONE of the following Application Workshops in order for their applications to be considered complete:
Thursday, September 1st from 4 PM to 5 PM
Thursday, September 8th from 4 PM to 5 PM
Participants will receive a stipend (planning work) and community service hours (working the events).
Participants must attend all 14 monthly meetings: October-May; additional meetings possible closer to events.
Participants will learn about careers in art with presentations from museum staff and local/regional artists and creatives.
Participants will create and execute one teen–oriented program/event, with the opportunity to participate in another smaller project, like Free Little Art Supplies Libraries.
Participants are also charged with promoting the WMA Teen programming (distributing marketing materials, communicating with peers, etc.)
This is a yearly commitment though participants can be reappointed. WMA staff will review applications and make selections for members each year. Previous WMA Teen members must reapply for consideration in the upcoming year.
"WMA Teens fosters development in many ways: through exposure to workforce skills such as project management, budget management, event planning, and communication skills both written and interpersonal. Over the course of 9 months, participants will create and execute a large scale event for teens at the museum. The theme, scope, and direction of which is solely on their shoulders: an event for teens, by teens. Anyone who has planned an event of any size knows what a huge undertaking this is. We were absolutely thrilled with the outcome of last year's event and we can't wait to see what this year's cohort has in store!" - Brook McGinnis, Education Director
What Selected Participants Will Gain From The Experience
Experience in the art/museum industry
Skill building:
Event Management
Project Management
Marketing/Promotional
Interpersonal and Professional Leadership Skills
Sense of ownership in WMA’s vision to “inspire creativity to enhance the everyday lives of its community…” and mission to inspire “a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts by providing innovative educational programs that engage diverse audiences through the collection and exhibition of quality works.”
Community pride
Financial support for students’ work
The 2022/2023 WMA Teens cohort has been selected after an application process, and updates on the program will be on the museum’s social media and blog. The next application period will begin in late summer 2023.
Teen Night
Save the date for for the annual WMA Teen Night!
Saturday, April 22, 2023 at WMA
Admission is free and open to all area middle and high schoolers.
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WMA Teens programming and Teen Night have been made possible by grants from Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.