The NGV Kids on Tour Program added creativity to the school holidays of kids in the region.
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The National Gallery of Victoria’s Kids on Tour program made its way to Seymour earlier this month.
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Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said Kids on Tour had been a fantastic addition to the Mitchell Shire Council Library School Holiday Program, with families from across the shire getting creative at workshops in Wallan, Seymour, Kilmore and Broadford.
Some 120 children and 70 parents participated in the program while it stopped in the Mitchell Shire.
“Programs like NGV Kids on Tour and our other school holiday activities are vital for bringing high-quality cultural experiences to regional areas,” Cr Dougall said.
“Hosting this program in Seymour and other local venues helps develop a sense of inclusion and belonging, as children and families are inspired by art and culture in a familiar and accessible setting.”
The most popular activity in the program encompassed fashion, culture and creativity, with 50 participants involved.
Cr Dougall said inspiring creativity with activities such as these ones was essential in a child’s development.
“These activities are not only to provide entertainment during the school holidays but also nurture skills like problem-solving, collaboration and imagination that children can carry into their future.”
Kids were able to explore their creativity in the fashion, culture and creativity activity.
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The Kids on Tour Program began in 2014 as a way to connect the wider community with the gallery, which is located on St Kilda Rd in Melbourne.
Last year, it is estimated that over 10,000 children were involved in the activities, while the total number of participants since the program’s inception is over 150,000.
Of the over 150 communities involved this year, 76 were regional.
NGV Community and Access Programs senior project co-ordinator Stephanie Pohlman said it was important that creative programs such as Kids on Tour visited not only metropolitan suburbs, but regional communities as well.
“It doesn’t really matter where you are located, it’s important to have access to art and creativity,” Ms Pohlman said.
For those who have unique access needs, are unable to travel to Melbourne or simply have a creative streak they wish to explore, the program offers a particular novelty for communities across the state.
“People are really excited to have the NGV come to them,” Ms Pohlman said.
Aside from being inspired by the NGV’s current exhibitions, Kids on Tour aims to reflect the community and celebrate diversity in towns and suburbs throughout Victoria.
This program featured activities inspired by Melbourne based designers Collective Closets, who pay homage to their African mother, proud Wadawarrung woman Dr Deanne Gilson and Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
“We always want the program to reflect the community,” Ms Pohlman said.
“People really resonated with the designers and their heritage last year.”
To celebrate diversity within the participants and children as well, the activities were designed to have no set outcome.
“We design them to be really open-ended, there’s no right or wrong way for children to express themselves.”
The Kids on Tour program is set to return in 2026, coinciding with the summer exhibitions at the NGV, and, as Ms Pohlman said, it was “aiming to reach more venues than ever before”.
Cr Dougall said libraries in Mitchell Shire would continue to foster creativity within local children through further programs.
“Our libraries host a range of free activities including creating connections, early years literacy, family fun, life skills and programs that support local artists and authors,” Cr Dougall said.
“We encourage residents to explore everything their local library has offer.”
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