NGV Kids on Tour January 2024

Published on 11 January 2024

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. Hindmarsh Shire Council are proud to be delivering NGV Kids on Tour activities again at all four branches of Hindmarsh Shire Libraries.

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.

The NGV Kids on Tour 2024 program at Hindmarsh Shire Libraries includes:

• Underwater Drawing – 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 that they can keep or gift to a loved one.

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 runs at the following Hindmarsh Shire Libraries locations:

Nhill Library – Tuesday 23 January – 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Jeparit Library – Wednesday 24 January – 10am to 12pm
Rainbow Library – Wednesday 24 January – 2pm to 4pm
Dimboola Library – Thursday 25 January – 2:30pm to 4:30pm

Kids enjoying activities as part of NGV Kids on Tour 2024. Photo: Eugene Hyland; Young visitors enjoying RIFIFI: Jean Jullien for Kids on display as part of NGV Triennial from 3 December 2023 – 7 April 2024 at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Kate Shanasy; Young visitor enjoying Up, Down and All Around: Daniel Emma for Kids on display from 2 June – 8 October at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Lillie Thompson 

No bookings are necessary for these activities, so if you’re looking for something to occupy the kids for the last week of school holidays, we look forward to seeing you at Hindmarsh Shire Libraries.  For more information, please contact Whitney Kingston, Coordinator Library Services, telephone 03 5391 4444, or email libraries@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Monica Revell
Acting Chief Executive Officer