The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg (MFA) is accepting applications from high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors (during the 2025–2026 school year) for the MFA Teen Arts Council (MFA TAC). Members will help fulfill the museum’s mission to engage, educate, and excite diverse communities. Through mentorship, ambassadorship, and advocacy, teen members will collaborate with the MFA’s Education & Engagement team to create programming by teens and for teens that fuels experimentation and imaginative approaches, challenges conventions, and awakens curiosity—making the experience of art accessible, engaging, and memorable for all.
After completing an application, applicants will be reviewed by the MFA’s Education & Engagement staff. The top candidates will be selected for a 30-minute interview, after which up to five high school students will be chosen for the council. Members will begin their council position in February, with four monthly meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday and Thursday of each month, along with participation in monthly workshops and MFA programs—totaling up to six visits per month, plus the final Teen Night in April. Members will be active for three months (February 10, 2026–April 23, 2026) and will receive a $500 stipend at the end of their term, assuming they have attended at least 15 of the 18 required days. Each MFA TAC member will also receive a yearlong Student Membership upon acceptance into the position.
The Teen Arts Council at the MFA is a unique paid opportunity for high school students to get involved with the arts, collaborate with other creatives, and help shape the museum’s future teen programming. This dynamic council is designed for teens interested in gaining hands-on experience in the art world—whether you are an artist, dream of pursuing an arts career, or simply want to help make the MFA a fun and welcoming place for teens like you.
What You’ll Do:
• Meet & Learn from Artists & Professionals
Attend workshops and panel discussions with artists, curators, and museum professionals while gaining insight into the creative industry.
• Plan Teen-Focused Events
Organize and curate special experiences for your peers—from gallery tours and art-making workshops to an exclusive teens-only party—creating opportunities for teens to connect with art and each other.
• Provide Input & Feedback
Share your ideas about MFA exhibitions and programs and help shape how the museum serves the teen community.
• Gain Leadership Skills
Build skills in project management, communication, teamwork, and public speaking while making meaningful contributions to the museum.
The Teen Arts Council is open to all high school students enthusiastic about art and eager to contribute to the MFA’s mission—no prior experience required, just a willingness to learn, engage, and lead.
Applications are now closed.
MFA TAC Requirements
To apply for the MFA Teen Arts Council, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Be a 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grader during the 2025–2026 school year.
- Applicants must be high school students in the Tampa Bay Area—including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, or Hernando counties—and may attend public, private, charter schools, or be homeschooled. Please consider your commute when applying; selected members will receive a $100 VISA gift card to help offset travel and gas costs.
- Submit a completed application by January 23, 2026.
- No prior art experience is required. Teens interested in art, music, culture, museums, and creative expression of all kinds are encouraged to apply.
- MFA TAC meets on the second and fourth Tuesday and Thursday of each month from 5:00–7:00 pm. Students are encouraged to arrive early for office hours from 4:00–5:00 pm to do homework at the Café or explore the museum.
- Occasional Saturday and Sunday obligations are required beyond regular meeting times. MFA takes school calendars and transportation into consideration when scheduling, and Spring Break week opportunities are optional.
- Members are expected to follow program guidelines, participate fully in meetings and events, complete solo and group responsibilities (including art assignments, independent research, inquiry and tour reviews), and help develop teen-centered programming for the museum.
FAMILY MEMBERSHIP
Join today to unlock a world of artistic exploration and creativity for your family with a membership at the MFA!