Come up to the second floor of CHM to see murals, protest signs, and banners created this summer at CHM by six Chicago teens—Angel, Charlie, Emily, Natalie, Nina and Ursula—as part of an intensive program exploring the city’s legacy of artivism (art + activism). The teens’ murals are located in Chicago: Crossroads of America, and their banners and protest signs reflecting their advocacy for contemporary issues they care about are displayed near the entrance to Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s.

Drawing inspiration from Designing for Change, the teens explored social movements of the time and the artwork that amplified them. They collaborated with teaching artists to use period art techniques and mediums to advocate for contemporary issues and ideas. As part of their experience, the teens learned more about the history of the era from CHM education and curatorial staff and about museum work from collections, conservation, exhibitions, and security staff.

The teens wrote the following manifesto to declare their intentions for their participation in this program:

To us, artivism is collective advocacy and activism through artistic expression. We will:

• Bring our own perspectives and open minds to our artivist community.
• Collaborate through ideas, encouragement and reflection to create art that illuminates social justice issues.
• Use historical artistic styles and mediums to advocate for contemporary issues and ideas in order to bridge the gap between past and present.
• Inspire others through art that sparks emotion, initiating conversation.

In addition to the murals, banners, and protest signs, the teens made: buttons; screen-printed posters, tote bags, and t-shirts; personal logos; blackout poetry; block prints; wheat-pasted posters; and more. See examples of their work showcased below and check out their playlist.