Youth Programs
The Walker Art Center hosts programming specifically for teens and middle schoolers. Come watch a movie, make art, see performances, or just chill with friends in a fun and friendly space—all for free.
Walker Art Center Teen Arts Council (WACTAC)
Much of the Walker’s teen programming is created by the Walker Art Center Teen Arts Council (WACTAC). WACTAC is a group of teen creators and advocates from across the Twin Cities. The group meets weekly during the school year to connect with contemporary art and artists. Members not only learn about working at an art center, but they also help create new ways for other teens to experience the Walker.
Follow WACTAC on Instagram @walkerteens.
Apply to WACTAC
Applications for the 2025–26 school year are currently closed. Please check back in spring to apply to join the 2026–27 cohort.
To apply for WACTAC, you must:
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Be an 11th- or 12th-grade student during the 2026–2027 school year.
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Be interested in learning more about contemporary art and museums – you do not need to be an artist!
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Commit to attending weekly meetings: WACTAC meets on Thursdays from 4:30–6:30 pm, September 10–June 3. Weekly attendance is expected. Before applying, think about sports schedules, work commitments, and any extracurricular activities that could fill your time throughout the school year.
Perks:
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WACTAC members receive a $30 stipend per meeting, issued as a prepaid Visa gift card each month. Bus tokens, gas cards, or rideshare gift certificates are available to members who need additional transportation support to participate.
Key Dates:
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Applications open March 30, 2026.
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Applications due by midnight on June 28, 2026.
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In-person group interviews will take place throughout the week of July 13 at the Walker. We will reach out over email in early July with more information about interviews.
Upcoming Youth Programs
Resources
Explore a free download of the Walker Art Center’s Museum Teen Programs How-To Kit, a publication offering reflections, conversations, and essays on cohort-based teen programs at museums across the United States.
Featuring contributions from a range of museum teen education professionals, this publication is intended to be used as a tool for navigating the unique challenges of facilitating impactful creative youth development in museums. Created by and for educators, the How-To Kit provides a plethora of resources and instructions for applied activities.
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Lead support for the Walker’s Learning and Public Programs is provided by the Pohlad Family Community Engagement Fund. Additional support is provided by the Patrick and Aimee Butler Family Foundation and Susan and Rob White.