Ten years since it was initiated by the National Gallery of Victoria, the NGV Kids on Tour series returns in 2024 bringing free art-making activities and workshops to kids and families across Victoria. Marking the largest program to date with more than 140 venues participating across metropolitan and outer metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, the 2024 NGV Kids on Tour reaches galleries, libraries, paediatric hospitals, neighbourhood houses, migrant resource centres, and community organisations.
Coinciding with the NGV’s free summer exhibition for children and families, RIFIFI: Jean Jullien for Kids, NGV Kids on Tour celebrates the work of local and international contemporary artists and designers, as they draw inspiration from the world around them.
NGV Kids on Tour 2024 art-making activities include:
- Underwater Drawing Club – Inspired by Triennial artist Jean Jullien’s exhibition RIFIFI, this activity inspires children to create drawings of their favourite sea creature using Jullien’s signature bold and playful style.
- To Become Light – Drawing upon Melbourne artist Jenna Lee’s installation of paper lanterns in Balarr (to become light), children can discover the special symbols Lee has painted on her lanterns and complete their own lantern and dilly bag drawings with symbols of their identity.
- Inspiration Train – Encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills, children can design an object inspired by their favourite food using design tips for the world you live in from Australian designers Daniel To and Emma Aiston.
- Remaking Home – Inspired by the work of Melbourne-based artists and wildlife carers Gracia & Louise, children can create a collage from drawings of native Australian plants and animals.
- Meet the Fantastic Grey-headed Flying Fox – In this activity, young children and their families can draw a Grey-headed Flying Fox and discover interesting facts about this often-misunderstood furry mammal.
NGV Kids on Tour also invites teenagers to learn about the creative practices of emerging artists and build their own art portfolios through an activity developed with Melbourne-based designers, Collective Closets.
- NGV Teens: Bracelet Beading by Collective Closets – Created by Melbourne-based fashion designers and sisters Fatuma and Laurinda Ndenzako, founders of fashion brand Collective Closets, this program is a meditative and engaging workshop where teens can create a colourful beaded bracelet which they can keep or gift to a loved one.
Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks, said: ‘NGV Kids on Tour turns ten in 2024 and the party will extend across the state with free activities for kids, teens and families happening at more than 140 locations across Victoria.
‘From Beechworth to Bairnsdale, this program is a great example of how our flagship cultural institutions collaborate with regional and suburban galleries, libraries and community organisations to present fun activities for all Victorians.’
Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV, said: ‘The Kids on Tour program is an integral part of the NGV’s role in connecting children and their families through art, design and culture. Ten years on from its inception, NGV has this year partnered with more community venues than ever, reinforcing NGV’s commitment to providing access to art and design for all Victorians.’
NGV Kids on Tour 2024 takes place in January 2024 at venues across regional and metropolitan Victoria. For individual program dates visit the websites of the venues listed below.
NGV extends sincerest thanks to Event Partner Officeworks, for their generous support of NGV Kids on Tour 2024.
NGV programming for children and families this summer includes NGV Kids Summer Festival 2024, 8 – 14 January 2024, supported by City of Melbourne and RIFIFI: Jean Jullien for Kids, until 7 April 2024.
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