Since 1998 the Queensland Art Gallery has been committed to developing innovative exhibitions and programs for children and families.
Katharina Grosse: Picture Lab (2007)
Held in conjunction with her spectacular exhibition 'Picture Park', Katharina Grosse’s project for the Children’s Art Centre encouraged young visitors to engage with some of the artist’s ideas in an environment appealing to their sense of play.
For Kids' APT, 13 interactive art works were developed, expanding on themes and ideas presented in 'The 5th Asia–Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art' (APT5). It was the first Children's Art Centre exhibition following the opening of the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), and was presented across both the Queensland Art Gallery and GoMA.
Children and families discovered new ways of looking at the places that make up our world, from our homes to cities and beyond. With lots of hands-on interactives, children were able to turn their creative ideas into reality.
An amazing selection of contemporary art works in exciting exhibition spaces let children discover landscapes of sand, forest and sea, and encounter the wonders of the natural world and the animal kingdom.
'Blak Insights' for kids (2004)
Children and families found there was lots to discover at 'Blak Insights', an exhibition of contemporary Indigenous art from the Queensland Art Gallery Collection. With help from special exhibition mascot Kuril, a water rat with attitude, children found lots of pathways to help them engage with, and enjoy, the works on display.
Lost and Found (2003–04)
'Lost and Found' focused on everyday objects and how artists have used them to create extraordinary art works. The exhibition encouraged an exploration of why artists choose particular objects and how they are transformed into art works.
Googi's Place (2003)
Googi's Place was developed as an integral part of the Gallery's major exhibition, 'Story Place: Indigenous Art of Cape York and the Rainforest'. Activities included: a spinning board game to learn Indigenous language, a magnetic bone puzzle activity, and weaving and texture rubbing activities.
Colour (2003)
More than 30 works by leading contemporary Australian, Indigenous and international artists from the Gallery's Collection were featured in 'Colour'. Children were encouraged to explore how artists use colour as a subject in itself, to create fascinating optical effects, or to express emotions and moods.
Summer Spectacular (2003)
The Gallery's acclaimed 'Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art 2002' and 'Kids' APT' culminated in Summer Spectacular, a 15-day festival of Asian and Pacific arts, culture, myths and legends just for kids.
Kids' APT 2002 (2002–03)
Continuing the success of 'Kids' APT' in 1999, 'Kids' APT' 2002 featured an activity area where children enjoyed hands-on interaction with art works specially created by selected artists.
Play (2001–02)
One of the most successful elements of 'Play' was its innovative exhibition design which was modelled on a construction site. A welcoming and fun exhibition, 'Play' provided enjoyable and educational experiences for children.
A Day at the Beach (2000–01)
'A Day at the Beach' presented art on the theme of seaside recreation. Children were encouraged to discover the Australian tradition of a day at the beach through art works, interactive displays and art-making activities.
Animals Who Think They are People (2000)
The 'Animals Who Think They are People' exhibition depicted animals in human situations. A live colony of mice lived in the exhibition space throughout the duration of the display.
Kids' APT 1999 (1999–2000)
The first 'Kids' APT' in 1999 provided innovative programs and art-making activities as part of the exhibition, the 'Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art'. The program encouraged an understanding of Asian, Pacific and Indigenous cultures by children, their families and the wider community.
Scary Monsters (1998–99)
Breaking the traditional mould for gallery exhibitions, 'Scary Monsters' was designed and installed like a carnival ghost-train ride complete with scary sound effects. The exhibition explored the themes 'creepy creatures', 'nightmares' and 'demons, devils and dark places'.
Portraits are People Pictures (1998)
'Portraits are People Pictures' was the first of the Gallery's exhibitions designed specifically for children. It explored the history, styles and techniques of portrait painting.
