Youth Programs

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.


COURSES FOR YOUTH

Youth Studio

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.

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Painting Explorations: Abstract

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.

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PAST EVENTS youth

PAST EVENTS

Youth Events
KIKI Vogue Ball x Keith Haring
Wednesday, February 14, 6 – 8:30 pm

In honour of Keith Haring, who died of AIDS February 16, 1990, we’re gearing up for a dazzling Vogue Ball!

Youth Events
Youth Workshop: Art of Crochet
Wednesdays, January 10 – February 7, 4 − 5:30 pm

Explore the world of crochet with Legin’s workshops.

Youth Events
AGO Friday Nights: House Dance Battle with Funky Facilitators and Warehouse Jacks
This event is Cancelled

The Warehouse Jacks in collaboration with Funky Facilitators will be hosting a 1V1 house Dance Battle where competitors will compete in a preliminary

Youth Events
House Dancing with Warehouse Jacks
Wednesdays, November 8 - 29, 4 - 6:30 pm

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.

Special Events
AGO Friday Nights: Meeting of the Monsters
Friday, October 27, 6 - 8 pm

Celebrate Halloween at the AGO!

Workshops
Clay with Ness Lee
Wednesday, October 4, 6:30 - 9 pm

Come hang out with local artist Ness Lee and explore all the possibilities with clay!

Youth Events
DIY Production Design: Costumes, Props and More with Insomniac Film Festival
Wednesdays, September 20 - October 25, 4 - 5:30 pm

“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

Youth Events
Youth Meet and Greet
Wednesdays, September 13, November 8 & December 20, 4 - 5 pm

Come by the AGO and meet the youth programmer Sarah Febbraro and make friends with other like- minded youth.

Youth Events
Inner Space with Jem Woolidge
Wednesday, August 30, 3 pm

Inner Space is a mont

Youth Events
Inner Space with Sammo Mossa
Wednesday, July 26, 3 pm

Inner Space is a mont

Youth Events
Inner Space with Tayler Buss
Wednesday, June 28, 3 pm

Inner Space is a mont

Youth Events
Inner Space: Season 2 The Screening
Saturday, June 10, 3 pm

Join us for the screening of season two of Inner Space


Youth programs

YOUTH PROGRAMS 

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.


Current Youth Program gridlist

SKILLZ SHARE

SKILLZ SHARE: PAPIER-MÂCHÉ

Wednesday, August 19, 2020 3 pm

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! 

Skillz Share: Organizing Your Bookshelf

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 3 pm

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!

Skillz Share: Bullet Journaling

Tuesday June 30, 2020 3 pm

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.

Skillz Share: How to Write and Record a Song Using Garageband

Wednesday, June 24, 2020 3 pm

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!

Skillz Share: Food Recycling

Wednesday, June 17, 2020 3 pm

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.

Skillz Share: How to Juggle

Wednesday, May 27, 2020 3 pm

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!

Skillz Share: Make a Scrapwich

Wednesday May 20, 3 pm

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!

Skillz Share: How to Cut Your Bangs!

Wednesday May 6, 3pm

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!


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