The Allan Labor Government is helping busy families across Victoria with free, fun summer activities inspired by NGV's exhibitions: Cats & Dogs and Yayoi Kusama.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks today announced the return of the NGV Kids on Tour and NGV Kids Summer Festival, with a range of free, creative activities designed to entertain and inspire kids of all ages.
This January, families can enjoy activities close to home as NGV Kids on Tour brings its largest-ever program coming to 150 venues across Melbourne and regional Victoria, including galleries, libraries, community hubs, and hospitals.
From hands-on workshops to live performances and story time sessions, there's something for every young artist, explorer, and dreamer.
Budding artists ages three and up will be able to get creative with activities including making their own accessories, illustrating and creating fashion designs, while babies and toddlers can explore Yayoi Kusama's famous artwork through story time sessions with the Lots of Dots by Yayoi Kusama children's book, published by the NGV.
NGV Kids on Tour will also feature drop-by art workshops for teenagers to learn new creative skills and build their own art portfolios.
The NGV Kids Summer Festival, held from 11-17 January 2025 at NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Fed Square, offers a jam-packed schedule of free events for families to enjoy a selection of all-ages events, workshops and activities led by Victorian artists and creatives.
The popular week-long festival will kick off at Fed Square and include live dog shows, face-painting and free entry to the Cats & Dogs exhibition for kids. More than 14,000 children got involved in the festival last summer.
Throughout the week, NGV Australia will host pet portrait drawing sessions led by local artists, as well as dedicated story times for children under five featuring books by Australian and First Nations authors.
At NGV International, kids can create their own dotted pumpkin designs inspired by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama's iconic artworks, and participate in a drawing workshop to craft their own car designs
The free NGV Kids on Tour program takes place throughout January 2025 at venues across regional and metropolitan Victoria. The free NGV Kids Summer Festival runs from 11-17 January 2025 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and NGV International. For more information, visit ngv.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
"These incredible, free programs are the perfect way to keep kids having fun over the school holidays, while giving families an opportunity to explore NGV's blockbuster exhibitions together."
"No matter where you live, the NGV Kids on Tour and NGV Kids Summer Festival bring fun, free activities to families across Victoria, making sure everyone can enjoy a creative summer."
