Teens are invited to the NGV for a one-night-only celebration of art, music, fashion, games, talks and workshops. Taking place on Saturday 4 March, the NGV Teens: Art Party includes after-hours access to the summer blockbuster exhibition Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse, live music, Y2K hairstyle makeovers, snacks, giveaways, and social drawing workshops and talks run by La Trobe University Ambassadors.
The Art Party offers an opportunity for teens to express themselves and socialise in a fun, safe and inclusive environment through workshops, dancing, and live performances. This year’s Art Party will be Y2K themed, celebrating the boundary-pushing designer Alexander McQueen, who was one of the most significant fashion designers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The late 90s and early 2000s were McQueen’s most prolific years with his iconic designs from this time continuing to influence culture today. Teens can channel this period by dressing up and getting their hair styled in Y2K hairstyles including butterfly clips, colourful strands and hair gems by hair-stylist James Hatton. A passport-style photobooth will be available for teens to capture their looks and take home a piece of memorabilia.
Following the release of a new EP at the end of 2022, headline act Vetta Borne, also known as Maribelle Anes, will bring an upbeat R&B and disco-influenced pop performance to the NGV Great Hall. The Melbourne-based artist is one of the most dynamic young musicians on the Australian music scene and has written, produced, arranged, and performed her last three EPs.
The event will also feature DJ sets by Tanzer, which will move fluidly from Y2K pop hits to current anthems. A prominent figure within Melbourne’s queer community and a two-time Green Room Award winning performer, Tanzer will deliver sets that explore self-image, gender, romance and the power of the alter ego.
There will also be a performance by Ed Moon, a mentor for ON TRACK, a community-focused student music experience by the Mushroom Group supported by the Victorian Government – designed to keep high school students engaged and connected through creative activation and music mentorship. Ed Moon will bring a performance with raw uninhibited soul vocals and jazzy acoustic strums.
La Trobe University Ambassadors will deliver social drawing games which help to facilitate conversations through art making and support young people to meet like-minded peers. A talk on Androgyny, Armour and Aliens: Alexander McQueen and fashioning gender held by Visual Arts Lecturer at La Trobe University, Caroline Wallace will offer visitors a chance to reflect on the exhibition and draw personal connections to the works. Teens can join in one of the activities with La Trobe University on the night for a chance to win Y2K themed t-shirts designed by Siyana Studios.
Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV said ‘The NGV is proud to present a lively, year-round program tailored to teen audiences that fosters cultural interest in art, fashion and design. We hope that seeing Alexander McQueen’s authentic and boundary-pushing designs will inspire young Victorians to embrace their own unique creative qualities and establish a life-long passion for the arts.’
The NGV Teens: Art Party will be held at NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Australia on Saturday 4 March from 6.00pm – 9.00pm. Tickets are available for students aged 13 – 17, and 18 years with valid secondary school ID. The event is fully inclusive and wheelchair accessible. The NGV design store will be open on the night, offering a 10% discount to Art Party guests.
Tickets: https://ngv.melbourne/program/ngv-teens-art-party/
Students $20 | NGV Members $16