The 58th Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, held on the National Mall from July 2 to 7, 2025, focused on an inspiring and timely theme: “Youth and the Future of Culture.” This year’s festival spotlighted the cultural contributions of young people, emphasizing how teens and young adults across America are shaping today’s social and political landscape through art, music, activism, and cultural expression. The event showcased how youth are not just bystanders in the cultural dialogue, but key contributors to defining the future of culture.
One of the most groundbreaking exhibits at this year’s festival was the Museum of Contemporary American Teenagers. Created by students at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School under the guidance of teacher David Lopilato, the museum explored pressing issues facing today’s youth, such as tech addiction, social media pressure, mental health struggles, gender identity, and social justice activism. Through this interactive exhibit, students shared their personal experiences and insights, using art and technology to explore the challenges and triumphs of growing up in modern America.
Giving Teen Voices a Platform
The museum’s goal was to give teens a platform to tell their stories, and it resonated deeply with visitors of all ages. One standout feature of the exhibit was a locked door with a combination code “1999,” a reference to the Columbine school shooting and its lasting impact on school culture. This installation encouraged visitors to reflect on how pivotal events shape teenage experiences, influencing everything from school security to emotional well-being.
Other installations used digital art, short films, and oral histories to delve into the themes of tech addiction, with many teens sharing their struggles with balancing screen time and face-to-face interactions. Visitors could listen to personal accounts about how technology affects social dynamics, mental health, and even academic performance, offering valuable insight into how deeply intertwined these issues are in the lives of today’s youth.
Celebrating Creativity and Activism
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is known for celebrating cultural diversity, and this year’s inclusion of youth-driven activism was particularly poignant. Teens from various backgrounds came together to share their artistic expressions and advocacy work, from music and dance performances to street art, poetry, and even skateboarding. One notable performance included a collaboration between young activists and musicians to address climate change, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights—issues that many young people are leading the charge on today.
In addition to the museum, the festival offered a wide array of performances and workshops focused on youth culture. Local youth music groups performed alongside more established artists, and film screenings highlighted short films created by young directors exploring themes of identity, belonging, and social change. These performances, paired with interactive spaces where attendees could engage with the artists, helped to foster intergenerational dialogue and create a sense of shared responsibility for shaping the future.
Connecting Generations: The Role of Youth in Shaping Culture
The festival underscored that the cultural impact of young people is more significant than ever. Teens are not only the creators of tomorrow’s art, but also the leaders of social movements, driving change through activism, innovation, and bold new expressions of identity. This year’s festival offered a vital platform for teens to demonstrate how they are pushing the boundaries of cultural norms and paving the way for a more inclusive, socially conscious future.
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an ongoing celebration of culture, and by showcasing youth perspectives, it reaffirms the importance of recognizing the contributions and struggles of young people. It also serves as a reminder that youth culture is an essential part of the greater cultural fabric, deserving of recognition, support, and celebration.