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Washington, D.C.: The Museum of Contemporary American Teenagers (MoCAT) and Â鶹ÊÓƵ Library present When the Weight of the World Won’t Wait, stories of teenagers and young adults throughout history who have shouldered society’s burdens - from protecting our climate to fighting our wars.

Through art and discussion, Weight of the World asks audiences to consider what these burdens do to our young people and what these demands say about us.

The Weight of the World exhibit will run March 1, 2024 - April 19, 2024- in Bender Library at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. On March 20, 2024 there will be featuring student creators and guest Mary Beth Tinker (known for her role in the Supreme Court’s landmark case Tinker v. Des Moines and more than 50 years of free-speech advocacy) at the Kay Spiritual Life Center at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Student performances start at 4:00 pm followed by a presentation and conversation beginning at 5PM. Events on March 20th and the exhibit are free and open to the public to attend.

Weight of the World is the first in a series of events presented by MoCAT in partnership with Â鶹ÊÓƵ, The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and the Kennedy Center to explore American teen culture (past and present) and its impact on history. Through images, movement, objects, sounds, words, dance, film, discussion and a range of other creative expressions, teen creators will engage in storytelling that shares their lives, joy and struggles while igniting conversation and calling for change.

The events culminate in TotallyTeen Summer (Summer of ‘25) featuring interactive demonstrations and performances at The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, a comprehensive art exhibit at the Katzen Art Center at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, and music and film at the Kennedy Center.

This series of programs at Â鶹ÊÓƵ are occurring thanks to the collaboration of the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Department of Anthropology, University Library, and School of Education.

More information about the ongoing programming can be found at MoCAT’s website: David Lopilato / 240-813-6586 / david_lopilato@mcpsmd.org