The National Gallery of Victoria today opened a new dedicated children’s gallery at Federation Square. NGV Kids corner is a space where children and their families can enjoy creative installations and activities designed just for them.
Frances Lindsay, NGV Deputy Director said NGV Kids corner provides an enriching and magical place for children to engage with real art works in an educational and entertaining setting.
NGV Kids corner exhibits selected art works from across the NGV Collection, with the first display focusing on a video work by Japanese artist Hiraki Sawa, Going Places Sitting Down. The display will change every six months.
Made within the intimate world of his own apartment, Hiraki Sawa’s enchanting video work shows various domestic scenes animated by the appearance of an antique rocking horse, whose rhythmic movements slowly and purposefully propel him through the space.
“Children will be immersed in a journey through a fantastical land in which the spines of books become mountainous terrains, carpets become deserts and a shag-pile rug an exquisite, snow-filled landscape,” said Ms Lindsay.
Designed around this theme, Going Places Sitting Down engages the imagination of children with works from across the NGV Collection. It includes unique and unusual objects from around the world by artists from India, China, Australia and the Torres Strait Islands.
“Recent research provides strong evidence of the important role the arts have in early childhood development. The Gallery has always offered a high quality range of programs and activities designed to introduce young children to the visual arts and we are building on this commitment to bring art and children together through a devoted space for them to learn, play and create. And best of all, it is completely free,” said Ms Lindsay.
Children and their families can participate in self-led activities and free “share and discover” activity cards will be provided to guide them through the exhibition. NGV Kids corner will also have a program of special activities during peak periods such as school holidays.
This January, NGV Kids corner will host free storytelling and drama activities between 10am and 12pm on the following dates: Tuesday 12, 19 & 26 January; Thursday 14 January; Friday 15 & 22 January; Saturday 16, 23 & 30 January.
NGV Kids corner is open from 10am-5pm, closed Mondays, at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square, Cnr Flinders and Russell Streets, Melbourne. Entry is free.
For further information visit ngv.vic.gov.au/ngvkids
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