Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Current cycle: September 9, 2025 through June 2026.

For the 2025–2026 cycle, TAC will center themes of preservation, both in its traditional sense and as a broader, more conceptual inquiry. In partnership with the Balboa Art Conservation Center (BACC), teens will learn about the science, process, and ethos behind conserving artworks and consider what it means to maintain, restore, and protect creative expression over time. But, just as importantly, in their own practices, they’ll be asked to think beyond the physical to similarly consider what it means to maintain, preserve, and restore ideas, identities, communities, and memories through art.

Students will also visit BACC’s Imaging Suite to explore techniques like X-Radiography and XRF. They’ll learn about preventive conservation, agents of deterioration, and protecting personal items. Sessions include conservator interviews, career path discussions, and introductions to graduate programs and specialties such as paintings, paper, textiles, and objects.

Through workshops, discussion, and visits with artists, conservators, and museum professionals, as well as studio sessions and group critiques, TAC members will develop a body of work that reflects their personal and collective investigations into preservation. The program will culminate in a teen-organized exhibition and public event at MCASD, where our Teens will present their work to the community.

TAC is an ideal extra-curricular for high school students interested in deepening their artistic practice, engaging with current issues in contemporary art, and building lasting connections with peers and professionals in the field.

TAC meets every second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 5 – 7PM (with some exceptions).

To find out more about TAC, contact the Education Department at education@mcasd.org

Since 1975, BACC has provided expert conservation services for artworks and cultural heritage. As the only nonprofit lab in the western U.S., it supports community collections, education, and culturally responsive practices. BACC partners with MCASD and is proud to extend its work through the TAC program.

CLICK HERE FOR THE APPLICATION

Application deadline: Friday, August 29.

Space is limited to 25 students. Only one application per student is permitted.

After all applications are reviewed, invited students will receive an acceptance email and onboarding documents. Meetings will begin on September 9, 2025 and end June 2026.