Dancing our way through hundreds of teens, singing along to our favorite songs, and watching performers bring music to life through incredible dance moves were among the highlights of the first High Line teen night of the summer.

We are the Teen Arts Council (TAC)—a group of 12 young people between the ages of 14-20 who are employed by Friends of the High Line. As a team, TAC organizes and produces two free teen nights each July and August.

What does TAC do? We start our process by brainstorming ideas that connect with teens and the High Line. Collectively, we decide on themes. Then we divide and conquer—separating our workload into three committees: Art, Communications, and, of course, Food.

Last year, the members of TAC successfully produced two events on the High Line with DJs, dance instructors, musical performers, Caribbean food, treats from the 90s, and more.

Not only do we spend time producing events, we also get inspiration from other teen nights all across New York City in order to ensure our events provide a unique experience you can only have at the High Line.

This year, our events are named No Filter and Next Stop. Our No Filter event was designed to promote self-love and commend courage and self-expression.

We worked with artist Raul Ayala to create illustrations for our flyers. Above, he captured the No Filter spirit in an Instagram design showing the High Line’s majestic wildlife. The image is meant to convey a sense of expression without limitations or filters.

Nearly 800 teens came out to celebrate with us during our No Filter teen night in July. We enjoyed uplifting music, screen printing, free food, photo contests, dance workshops, and most importantly, good vibes.

Get Involved!

Be sure to join us next week for our Next Stop teen night on 8/13 from 6-9 PM on The High Line at West 14^th Street. You won’t want to miss this event empowering teens everywhere to take control of the future! FREE. No RSVP needed. Teens only (13-19)! Visit our event page at http://bit.ly/HLnextstop

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SUPPORT

High Line Teen programs—part of High Line Community Engagement—are generously supported by the Ford Foundation. Additional funding comes from New York City Council Member Corey Johnson.

The Teen Arts Council is supported, in part, with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.

Teen Arts Council is supported, in part, by the Goldman Sachs Gives Public Programs Fund.