AGO Youth programs are free and serve youth ages 14-25. These programs focus on building community, making art, claiming institutional space, creating safe and inclusive spaces for youth, hiring emerging artists, partnering with community organizations and advocating for youth presence, values and culture.
Programs combine contemporary art practices, community building and popular culture; ranging from drop-ins to year-long commitments. There are several volunteer opportunities for youth throughout the museum.
Breaking 101 - Is an introduction to the origins of the dance form that is a part of Hip-Hop culture's original elements also known as “break dancing”.
Come hang out with local artist Ness Lee and make a homemade gift for yourself or a friend for the holidays! In this drop-in workshop, you will learn simple techniques as you practice working with air dry clay and create unique handmade items. All ages welcome, all materials provided. This workshop is suitable for all skill levels.
Come by the AGO and meet the youth programmer Sarah Febbraro and make friends with other like- minded youth. Learn about AGO resources, upcoming youth events and opportunities and how to navigate the museum. Free for youth 14-25.
Develop your artistic voice in this 5 week multimedia course that encourages play and experimentation alongside technical instruction on various painting, drawing and printmaking techniques. Students will also learn how to develop and use their sketchbooks effectively in the pursuit of creating portfolio ready works of art.
This 5 week course will introduce students to various abstract painting techniques as well as a variety of painting styles, and subject matter. Students will develop an awareness of colour, shape, texture and form to create compositions with depth, using the mediums of acrylic paint. Learn fundamental painting techniques and get inspired by the abstract artwork in the AGO Collection including a visit to the special exhibition Denyse Thomasos: just beyond.
Drop in and dance! Toronto House Dance crew Warehouse Jacks invites youth to join them for a series of free dance sessions, teaching House dance styles and techniques in an inclusive environment.
Celebrate Halloween at the AGO!
Come hang out with local artist Ness Lee and explore all the possibilities with clay!
“How can I make my movie look great when I have zero dollars?!?” If that’s a question you’re asking yourself, come to DIY PRODUCTION DESIGN - a 6-week drop-in program that explores no-budget produc
Come by the AGO and meet the youth programmer Sarah Febbraro and make friends with other like- minded youth.
Join us for the screening of season two of Inner Space
Watch amazing vogue dancers from the Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance community and participants from the Youth Vogue Dance workshops take over Walker Court
Representing a diverse group of youth in Toronto, the AGO Youth Council is run by youth ages 15-24 who are interested in art and the relationship between young people and art institutions. Through a lens of social practice, the program focuses on community building, experiential pedagogy, and contemporary art practices working collectively to initiate programming by youth for youth. Collaborations with artists result in exhibitions, public art projects, interventions, large-scale events, drop-in programs, field trips, walking tours and much more.
The AGO is the place to be for youth ages 14 to 25. Free drop in programs run in Fall, Winter and Spring on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-6pm in Weston Family Learning Centre. Participate in tie dyeing, sticker making, silk screening, skateboard building, mix tape making, movie screenings and break-dancing workshops. No registration or cost required. Follow us on Instagram at @AGOYouth for details and updates.
Zoe Statiris is a third year student at Ryerson University. She likes to paint, draw, and take long walks on the beach. In her video Zoe makes a papier-mâché butterfly sculpture!
A first year student at U of T, Ingrid Wang is a visual artist with a passion for language, art history, and philosophy. In her free time, she enjoys reading classics, making earl grey tea, and keeping her bookshelves neat and tidy. This week Ingrid teaches us how to organize your bookshelf!
Calvin Pham is currently in his third year at York University, with a double major in Visual Arts and Film Studies. He has experience in fine arts, film making, photography, special effects make-up, and creative coaching.
Sabrina Carrizo Sztainbok is a visual artist and musician. She has been playing in bands since she was fourteen (slobrina, pins and needles, tange and luna li) and has been trying to teach herself how to produce her own music over the years. This week Sabrina teaches us how to write and record a song using Garageband!
Celeste Chiguichon is a second year volunteer at the ago youth council. She is a visual artist who loves learning about plants and our relationship to the earth. While finding peace and mindfulness in working with soil/greenery, she hopes to offer a calming practice to ground and grow along side with plant friends.
Izzy Slone is a recent high school grad who loves visual art, fashion and making people smile. She joined the AGO Youth Council this past year and will be attending UofT in the fall. This week Izzy teaches us how to juggle!
Adam Bovoletis has a passion for laughin'. He's made a bunch of art, co-founded Insomniac Film Festival, has been a proud member of the Youth Council for the past four years, and likes to write in third person. This week he teaches us how to build a ‘scrapwich’ a sandwich with whatever is in your fridge!
Watch AGO Youth Council member Tennesse Jones teach you how to poach an egg.
Nara Wrigglesworth is not a hairdresser, she would like to work in a community based arts practice, or move to California, or both. Currently she is watching a lot of movies and talking about them on a podcast (Is It Wack?), she is also trying to get better at making music. This week Nara teaches us how to cut your bangs!
Youth Programs
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