Step into a world of pumpkins, petals, and polka dots at NGV Teens Art Party on Saturday, 1 March 2025, from 6–9 PM. Inspired by the vibrant and immersive summer blockbuster exhibition Yayoi Kusama, this event invites high school-aged young people to explore the exhibition after hours with their peers, meet new people, and enjoy a night of creativity, music, and hands-on art-making.
Friendship Speed Dating, hosted Melbourne creative collective Ladies of Leisure, provides a fun and engaging way for teens to socialise and expand their friendship groups. Through guided conversation young people can meet and share their interests and ideas about art, design, and culture.
For those looking to dive deeper into the world of art, creativity and creative career pathways, University of Melbourne Arts students will host pop up talks in the exhibition, sharing their own insights into Yayoi Kusama’s works and discussing their personal experiences studying and working in the arts. These talks provide a unique opportunity for teens to gain insights into next steps in study and career opportunities.
The night also features a hands-on activity with Melbourne-based graphic designer and illustrator Suyeon Park, where teens create zines, illustrating each page to build their own imaginative worlds, inspired by Kusama’s immersive environments. Suyeon Park is a Korean-Australian artist whose work explores cultural identity, childhood memories and the importance of a positive outlook through the medium of digital and traditional illustration.
Referencing Kusama’s childhood spent on her family’s seed and plant farm, face painting artists will offer floral-themed designs for teens. The Great Hall will become a vibrant dance floor, with Melbourne-based DJ Claire Knight bringing her signature mix of genre-bending dance music, bold vocal hooks, and crowd-favourite anthems.
Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV, said: ‘Since 2015, more than 22,000 teens have come together at NGV to explore exhibitions, participate in creative workshops, and connect through art – with over 12,500 attending an NGV Teens Art Party throughout the years. The popularity of Art Party continues to show the importance of making the gallery a welcoming and engaging space for the next generation of artists and creatives.’
NGV Teens Arts Party will take place 6–9PM, 1 March 2025 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Entry fees apply. Tickets and information are available via the NGV website: NGV.MELBOURNE
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