Built To Create
By Teens. For Teens. Dedicated to creating opportunities for local teen creatives to promote, advocate for and encourage each other. An inclusive space for young artists to share their work, meet new friends and develop the confidence to continue pursuing their creative interests.
T.A.C.O. believes that all young people deserve to have the chance to be seen, heard and celebrated. This may occur through visual art, music, photography, poetry, graphic design, performance, and/or other creative forms of expression. Therefore, we will continuously seek ways to amplify youth voice(s) and create an environment for imagination to thrive.
150+
15
Empowered Voices
Chicago Teens
How it Began
In 2014, co-founders Bella Masterson and Bella Kiser created T.A.C.O. with a single but powerful vision: "to create seasonal art exhibits by teens for teens in non-institutional/non-school environments".
During this time, numerous young artists were limited in their ability to exhibit their work due to lack of accessible venues. As such, T.A.C.O. provided a platform where creativity was limitless. From small gathering of peers, to a thriving community of teen artists from diverse backgrounds throughout Chicagoland; T.A.C.O. evolved rapidly.
Once Bella and Bella reached adulthood, they made a conscious decision to pass leadership to the next generation of teen artists. Thus, teen artists Lola and Nathalie transitioned into leadership/curator roles within T.A.C.O., ensuring the continued youth led mission of the organization.
What We Do
T.A.C.O. provides opportunities for young artists to express themselves creatively via exhibitions/performance and collaborative experiences that contribute to connecting youth/artists and fostering creative growth.
Some examples of our programs/initiatives include:
* Seasonal art exhibits created/curated by teen artists.
* Live performances by teen musicians/bands.
* Opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their work.
* Community collaborations that strengthen Chicago's youth arts network.
* Spaces for creative experimentation and collaboration.
* Resources and supports designed to empower young creatives.
* Art is accessible/inclusive/free from obstacles.
Why it Matters
Having access to supportive communities of fellow creative individuals can make a world of difference in a young artist's life.
Since T.A.C.O.'s inception, we've hosted over 200+ diverse youth artists/musicians from throughout the Chicagoland area providing them with opportunities to perform/exhibit/share their work with live audiences throughout the city. These experiences aid in developing confidence, encourages self-expression, reminds young creatives that their voices/perspective are valued.
Through creativity, people are brought together, assumptions challenged and social issues inspired. Investing in the voices of today's young people will directly result in shaping a more imaginative/compassionate tomorrow
Creating Impact Beyond the Gallery Walls
It takes more than just exhibiting talent for T.A.C.O..
With donations from event sales, we are able to give back and create positive impacts on a larger scale beyond Chicago and into the greater global community. Each exhibition, ticket sale, performance/contribution is an additional way to give back while showing that creativity and kindness can complement one another.
When youth create with intentionality and purpose; they can positively influence lives/societies beyond the confines of the stage/gallery walls.
Get Involved and Join the Oasis!
If you're an artist seeking your first exhibit; a musician looking for community; a volunteer wanting to help promote/youth arts/culture; or anyone who just loves the arts... There is a spot for you at T.A.C.O..
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