Drop in for hands-on school holiday fun at Artspace

Published: 09 Jan 2019

Children are being encouraged to embrace their creative side these school holidays with free, hands-on, drop-in activities at Artspace Mackay.

Straight from the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), the interactive activities feature everything from Bougainville-inspired necklace making to paper dream boat crafting.

Cr Fran Mann said this project was designed especially for children and families.

“This travelling project, called APT9 Kids on Tour, allows regional areas, like Mackay, to enjoy key elements of the original exhibition at QAGOMA for free over the holidays,” Cr Mann said.

“The activities are a lot of fun, but they also allow young people to explore art techniques and be inspired by contemporary art from Australia, Asia and the Pacific,” she said.

“If you’re looking for something fun and educational to do over the holidays, especially on those rainy days, this is a must-do.”

All activities were developed by the Children’s Art Centre in collaboration with artists Pauline Kimei Anis (Bougainville), Sadik Kwaish Alfraji (Iraq/The Netherlands), Gary Carsley (Australia/The Netherlands), Nona Garcia (The Philippines), Vincent Namatjira (Australia) and Jakkai Siributr (Thailand).

APT9 Kids on Tour also includes the EXPLORE interactive, a virtual experience featuring contemporary artworks in the APT9 exhibition.

The program highlights key themes from APT9, including the preciousness of life and natural resources, the importance of community and storytelling.

APT9 Kids on Tour activities are open to the public now and are open until Sunday, January 17.  Residents are welcome to drop in at any time the gallery is open.

For opening hours and more information, head to artspacemackay.com.au