NGV Kids on Tour program coming to the Yarra Ranges

Yarra Ranges Regional Museum is just one of the venues getting involved in the 2023 NGV Kids on Tour program. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS. 224298_03

Free art and creative activities are coming to more than 130 venues across the state including a number of Yarra Ranges locations with the NGV annual Kids on Tour program.

With over 100 venues involved, it makes the 2023 tour the largest ever and children will get to experience events at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, The Memo in Healesville and Arts Centre Warburton.

Backing the program, Creative Industries minister Steve Dimopoulos joined budding artists at the NGV on Wednesday 11 January to test drive the sculpture, drawing, collage and creative writing activities that are on offer through the program which kicks off today and runs throughout January.

“This school holidays we’re delivering more free activities to families across the state, with the largest ever Kids on Tour program offering parents and kids memorable moments led by the world-class team at the NGV,” he said.

“Victoria is the creative state and the free NGV Kids on Tour program is one of the ways we are ensuring that all Victorians have the chance to unleash their inner artist and enjoy the best creative experiences close to home.”

The 2023 Kids on Tour program is taking place in galleries, libraries, paediatric hospitals, neighbourhood houses, migrant resource centres and community organisations in regional, suburban and metropolitan areas across the state.

Delivering fun and free activities in community spaces across Melbourne’s inner and outer suburbs, the program will provide families with easy access to school holiday entertainment at more than 35 locations across the city.

This year’s tour celebrates the theme ‘Let’s Make Art’, offering captivating and creative activities for kids and their families. The program also offers dedicated workshops for teens to help them hone their skills and build their portfolios, with leading artists sharing their expertise and experience with Victoria’s budding creatives.

“Since its inaugural year in 2014, the Kids on Tour Program has demonstrated the NGV’s commitment to providing Victorians of all ages with the opportunity to engage with art and design from around the world,” NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM said.

NGV Kids on Tour is one of the ways the gallery is bringing the best art and creative experiences to Victorians of all ages, no matter where they live.

NGV’s year-round outreach programs range from talks at regional galleries and loans of iconic items from the NGV Collection to online social activities for senior citizens and activities for people living in aged care.

NGV Kids on Tour is part of a massive summer of programming for kids and families at the NGV, which will see the NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia come alive with free family activities for the Kids Summer Festival 2023 from 14 to 22 January.

Families can visit the NGV website at ngv.melbourne for a list of NGV Kids on Tour locations and other summer programs for kids.

For local information, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/Events/NGV-Kids-on-Tour-2023