Cincinnati’s Coolest Prom Isn’t at a School Gym
By the time the Mad Hatter yells “Change places!” and the dance floor pulses beneath a chandelier of paper mushrooms, it’s already clear: this isn’t your average prom. There are no cliques posted up in the corners, no limp corsages or perfunctory DJ playlists. Instead, teens in thrifted ravewear twirl past white rabbits and flamingo croquet mallets, giggling through clouds of glitter and possibility. This is Art Prom, and Cincinnati’s Contemporary Arts Center Teen Council has once again proven that when you let young people lead, magic follows.
On Friday, May 9 from 8 to 10 p.m., the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) will open its doors for a free, teen-only bash themed “Through the Looking Glass”—a surreal celebration of individuality, inclusion, and contemporary creativity. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s beloved world of topsy-turvy tea parties and logic-defying landscapes, the event invites teens aged 14 to 19 to come exactly as they are: decked out in formalwear, dressed to impress, or wrapped in neon netting and vintage sequins. There are no rules here—only expression.
What makes this event so radical isn’t just the theme, the photo booth, or the live teen band—though those things certainly help. The true wonder of Art Prom lies in who built it. This annual celebration is conceived and executed entirely by the CAC Teen Council, a handpicked collective of high school students who meet weekly throughout the year to do more than plan parties—they reshape what an art museum can be.
Founded as part of the CAC’s commitment to youth empowerment, the Teen Council serves as both an advisory board and a creative think tank. Its members—diverse in background, experience, and artistic interests—take on serious responsibilities. They curate teen-centered exhibitions. They plan workshops on everything from zine making to social justice art. They sit in on real meetings with CAC curators and staff. They brainstorm solutions for how to make museum spaces more inclusive and accessible for young people. And yes—they throw one hell of a party.
At a time when school budgets slash art programs and youth voices are so often dismissed as distractions, the CAC Teen Council is a bold exception. These teens are not passive participants—they’re cultural producers. And they’re compensated for their time, too. Members receive a stipend for their participation, eliminating financial barriers and ensuring that creativity and leadership aren’t limited to those with means.
The program is intentionally broad in who it welcomes—no portfolio or formal art training required. Just a curiosity about the world, a willingness to collaborate, and a desire to make art spaces more youth-friendly. Once they’re in, members gain real-world experience in arts administration, public speaking, design, event production, and critical thinking. They leave with stronger college applications, lifelong friendships, and—most importantly—a sense that their voice matters.
This year’s “Through the Looking Glass” theme couldn’t be more fitting. Like Alice, these teens aren’t afraid to question the world around them or imagine a different kind of logic—one where creativity is currency, community is central, and rules are meant to be rewritten. In Wonderland, chaos and order blend until they become something entirely new. At Art Prom, that same alchemy happens when a kid in combat boots and LED wings finds themselves dancing with a cello player dressed like the Queen of Hearts. There’s no judgment here. Just joy.
And while adults may peek in and smile at the whimsy, the deeper significance shouldn't be lost. This is what the future of cultural institutions looks like—youth-powered, imagination-forward, and unapologetically weird in all the right ways.
So whether you’re a teen ready to tumble into Wonderland or a parent curious about what the next generation of creatives is up to, know this: Art Prom is not just a party. It’s a portal—a glimpse into what’s possible when we stop trying to fix teens and start letting them lead.
Art Prom: Through the Looking Glass
When: Friday, May 9, 8–10 p.m.
Where: Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH
Who: Teens aged 14–19
Cost: Free (registration encouraged at contemporaryartscenter.org)
Step through the looking glass. You might just see the world differently on the other side.