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TEENS CURATE TEENS (TCT)

ARTISTS 

What do you want to say? Make a statement with your art. Connect with a community of creative teens like you who want to use art to effect change.   

TCT (Teens Curate Teens): An exhibition that is for teens and by teens. TCT brings together NYC high school artists and curators to produce a public, group art exhibition based on a subject selected by teens. This year’s theme is Nostalgia!

Spring 2026 TCT artist applications are now open!

• Submissions form: click here to apply
• Theme: Ephemeral: An Artistic Journey of Nostalgia
• Deadline to submit: March 17, 2026
• Eligibility: Open to all NYC teens in grades 9–12
• Submit your original artwork in any medium—Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Video, Photography, Installation, Dance, Poetry, Music, Theater, Collage, Performance Art, Fashion, Sound, Experimental, Digital—all art is welcome!
• Selected artworks will be featured in a 1-2 week public exhibition opening May 16th (location TBD). Selected artists receive a $100 gift card to Blick or B&H.
• Selected artists will be notified by the end of March, and will be asked to deliver their artwork to the ArtsConnection office in midtown Manhattan by April 22

As a TCT Artist, you will:  

• Create original artwork in any medium that reflects your personal perspective responding to this year’s theme  
• or submit a proposal for a site-specific artwork. 
• If selected you will be in a group exhibition in a public gallery, and connect with other creatives in meetups and at the opening reception 
• Receive an award for a $100 gift card from BLICK Art Materials 

How to Apply:  

• Once your artwork is ready, take a photograph or scan
• Submit your artwork using the online application form by the deadline
• Curators will review submissions and contact artists by the end of March