Artspace offers free contemporary art inspired activities for families

APT10 Kids on Tour will bring Artspace Mackay’s workshop room to colourful life now until January 23.

Artspace director Tracey Heathwood said there would be a variety of art making activities developed by the Children’s Art Centre in collaboration with Australian and international artists.

She said the activities were based on the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art and were inspired by the works of Shannon Novak (Aotearoa New Zealand), Phuong Ngo (Australia), Syagini Ratna Wulan (Indonesia), Jamilah Haji (Thailand), Gidree Bawlee (Bangladesh) and Vipoo Srivilasa (Thailand/Australia).

“All of the activities are colourful, fun and thought-provoking,” Ms Heathwood said.

“Phuong Ngo’s collage activity Pattern Exchange 2021, for example, is informed by the artist’s interest in the colonial history of cement tiles in Vietnam and invites children to create their own tile design using patterned coloured paper, scissors and glue,” she said.

“Shannon Novak’s Make Visible: Celebrate You 2021 is a digital interactive activity that asks kids to design a flag to represent their identity and what makes them happy.

“And, Where Stortles Roam 2021 invites children to use paper templates to make a puppet of an imaginary animal inspired by the Bengali poet Sukumar Roy’s ‘Khichuri (Stew Much)’.”

QAGOMA director Chris Saines said APT10 Kids on Tour would connect young visitors and their families with ideas and cultures from across Australia, Asia and the Pacific through a diverse range of activities celebrating community, diversity and mindful contemplation.

“Since 1998, QAGOMA has collaborated with more than 290 Australian and international contemporary artists to produce engaging interactive projects, activities and publications for children and families,” Mr Saines said.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was tremendous to have the QAGOMA touring activities at Artspace Mackay for the school holidays.

“Drop in any time and enjoy some crafty, creative fun in the air-conditioning,” he said. “No bookings are necessary, but parental supervision is required.”