Creative workshops and events for babies to 13 year olds.
Operating as usual
Take time out of the busy holiday season to pause and connect with your baby in Glow, a free digital subscription of creative and connective moments for parents and carers of new babies with Threshold.
Through audio and video prompts featuring the voices of Miranda Tapsell and Zindzi Okenyo, Glow will transform the familiar home environment into a place of surprise and delight!
Register now: https://bit.ly/36X350f
This year at ArtPlay, toddlers were invited to explore music, movement, dance and visual arts through a number of workshops guided by professional artists. From grooving to Ghanaian tunes and rhythms to getting messy with sensory play painting, we loved providing toddlers with a variety of opportunities to engage with different artforms for creative experimentation and exploration.
Workshops pictured:
Curiouser and Curiouser with Emma Salzano
Groovy Tunes with Kofi Kunkpe
Inside Out with ArtPlay artists
Make Do: Round and Round with Phia Larsen
Make Do: Up and Down with Phia Larsen
If you'd like to see a real life Purrmaid, weightlifting Pengui-corns, or a Lemur cooking a chocolate cake, then ArtPlay is the place to be in January! Made during our New Ideas Lab and premiering in Midsumma Festival, see Polite Mammals — a sketch comedy show co-created with kids by The Wholesome Hour — from 21 to 29 January. Book tickets: https://bit.ly/AP_PoliteMammals
Here are some of our favourite shots from Threads, which took out ‘Best Kids Show’ at Melbourne Fringe after a series of sold-out performances at ArtPlay in October.
A theatrical experience for children aged 7 to 12 and their adults, families were welcomed into an intriguing world to connect and play together. Webs were woven and crafted by audiences, who moved and created alongside performers.
Presented by The Ball Room Projects and ArtPlay, Threads was directed by Cat Sewell and Nancy Sposato in collaboration with Nick Barlow, Zoë Barry, Vanessa Chapple, Melanie Liertz and Bronwyn Pringle.
From baby adventures through the stars to a big tangle of fun, artists guided babies (and their adults) through creative sensory experiences at ArtPlay throughout 2022. Babies were prompted to listen to music and sounds, delight in age-appropriate theatre and play with textured objects and fabrics in purpose-designed play spaces filled with different elements to discover.
Workshops pictured: Beam Me Up, Baby! and Tingle Tangle with artist Emma Salzano.
In July this year, a group of children aged 7 to 12 worked with artists Ben Paul and Catherine Sewell in The Future of Toys. Children were invited to reflect on their lives, their city and their futures and question consumer choices associated with toys, plastic and play. They pulled apart pre-loved toys and re-purposed the raw materials to create original designs that offer philosophies on a new way of life.
Using emerging sustainable technologies, including 3D printing, the children created 20 unique inventions, all with their own stories to tell, and debuted them at The Future of Toys Exhibition. Take a look at some of the imaginative and innovative creations.
As the year comes to an end, we’re looking back at some of our favourite workshops from 2022. In March, artists GiJong Yoo and Jessica Wilson presented Talking With Shadows as part of Cultural Diversity Week.
A real-time art experience via videolink between children aged 8 to 11 at ArtPlay and children in Jeonju, Korea, the groups were tasked to have a conversation without using any spoken language. Streaming live between two countries, the children utilised live editing, projection, visual art and physical play to share shadows, places and ideas with each other.
Made during our New Ideas Lab and premiering in Midsumma Festival, see Polite Mammals from 21 to 29 January! Experience a sketch comedy show by The Wholesome Hour, co-created by kids, about animals of all kinds — stinky, sparkly, real and imaginary. There’s singing, dancing, puppets and lots and lots of poo jokes. Ages 5 to 10. Book now:
It’s about animals of all kinds: stinky, sparkly, real and imaginary. There’s singing, dancing, puppets and lots and lots of poo jokes.
Create a bath-time ritual, enter a poetic reflection over a cup of tea or throw a baby dance party. Explore a free digital subscription of creative and connective moments for parents and carers of new babies aged 0 to 12 months with GLOW.
At Home: Explore a digital subscription of creative and connective moments for parents and carers of new babies.
The last Backyard session for 2022 is on today at ArtPlay. Drop by from 10am to 12pm for some outdoor play with different materials and themes gently guided by our artists. Let your imagination run wild!
Free and no bookings required — just drop in.
Join us for this year’s final Backyard session tomorrow at ArtPlay! Be guided by our artists to explore different themes and materials. You could make a nature mandala, build sculptures with recycled and natural materials, or dream up your own mini landscape or cubby.
From 10am to 12pm. Free and no bookings required — just drop in.
We're excited to see ArtPlay’s By Kids For Kids program, and the children participating, recently celebrated in The Age! By Kids For Kids consists of a group of 13 children who, alongside Alex Walker and Hannah Liddeaux from House of Muchness, will curate a program of live events specifically for other children. The program will culminate in a takeover of ArtPlay during the June/July school holidays next year. Read the full story here:
Thirteen children aged between 8-11 have been chosen to create a program of live events for their peers, from the ideas to the logistics and budgets.
Groove to Ghanaian tunes and rhythms, try out some percussion, and learn songs to take home in joyful music and movement workshops for children aged 5 to 7 this weekend at ArtPlay.
Book now: https://bit.ly/AP_GT57
Originally from Cape Coast, Ghana, master drummer and multi-instrumentalist Kofi Kunkpe is a keeper of his culture who is passionate about sharing the songs, dances, and rhythms of West Africa.
At ArtPlay: Groove with your child to Ghanaian tunes and rhythms.
Visit us at ArtPlay today for Backyard! Children aged 2 to 6 will be gently guided by artists, themes and materials to enjoy some free play outdoors. Build sculptures, craft landscapes and let your imagination run wild. Free! Drop in between 10am and 12pm today.
Groove to Ghanaian tunes and rhythms with master drummer and multi-instrumentalist Kofi Kunkpe in a joyful music and movement workshop. Try out pint-sized percussion and learn songs to take home. Ages 5 to 7.
On 26 and 27 November. More info and tickets: https://bit.ly/AP_GT57
This weekend, embark on an adventure of dance and play with original songs played live by musician Dan Witton in The Us Bus. Shape your own landscapes using materials and objects found throughout your travels.
Ages 3 to 5 tickets: https://artplay.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/91681
Ages 5 to 6 tickets: https://artplay.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/91027
Backyard is on at ArtPlay today! Visit us from 10am to 12pm and be gently guided by artists, themes and materials for some outdoor creative play.
You could make a nature mandala, build sculptures with recycled and natural materials, or dream up your own mini landscape or cubby.
Ages 2 to 6. Learn more: https://bit.ly/AP_Backyard
All aboard! The Us Bus is coming to ArtPlay with its destination set for a realm where you can let your curiosity and imagination run wild.
At ArtPlay: Dance and play to original live music.
'Groovy Tunes' is back, kicking off Thursday and throughout the weekend!
One of ArtPlay's most beloved events is returning for an encore – and this time we're opening up to more age groups to dance and take delight in the Ghanian tunes and rhythms.
For more information and tickets: https://bit.ly/ArtPlay_Tickets
Thank you to everyone who came to see 'Threads' at Melbourne Fringe! We're very thrilled to let you know that it took home the award for 'Best Kids' show.
Tomorrow, friend of ArtPlay Bae Marie presents a fresh interactive experience with movement, songs and storytelling advocating for inclusivity and diversity with 'Rainbow Singalong Storytime'. Prepare for a session of pop hits that will have everyone singing and dancing.
11am at the Victorian Pride Centre. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3gaLfLF
After all tickets for 'Threads' this weekend were snapped up within 24 hours of opening on Tuesday, we are thrilled to announce we've upped our capacity and will have an extra (but strictly limited) amount of free tickets open for booking at 7am on both Saturday and Sunday.
Bookmark this link, set an alarm and book at 7am on the day of the event: https://bit.ly/AP_Threads
Pram users are invited to join our friends at Polyglot Theatre for the final-stage creative testing of their new work Pram People! They have three free creative testing sessions at Kensington Town Hall on 13, 19 and 20 October, and they'd love pram users to participate, play, connect and offer your expert feedback. These are relaxed sessions, with an accessible entrance, bathrooms and baby change facilities. Parent groups welcome. Please RSVP to [email protected]
Learn more: https://fb.me/e/2iTWkedXR
You've asked and we've listened! We have opened up bookings to our ArtPlay family for 'Threads', taking place this weekend as part of Melbourne Fringe.
Created by Ball Room, it's a theatrical experience for children 7 to 12 years and their adult.
Tickets are free but strictly limited.
The Threads experience is a hybrid of performance and creative play space where children and their families are welcomed into an intriguing world to connect and play together. A tale of survival, one right beneath our very noses, yet so often overlooked. Here, webs are woven out of the darkness, cra...
'Dance Music Play', a dance and music workshop program for babies, returns on Tuesday 18 & 25 October.
Join dancer, Sally Chance and multi-instrumentalist, Heather Frahn in this interactive ArtPlay program on Zoom.
Come and enjoy sounds, objects and playful environments carefully designed for the youngest of children.
Dance Music Play is an invitation for you and your child to turn your home space into a cosy, creative playground and respond as you wish through gentle on-screen interaction to movement, songs and play ideas.
For more information and to book: https://bit.ly/ArtPlayTickets
Today and tomorrow, 'Tingle Tangle' is on at ArtPlay!
Babies and carers will move through a play-space, meet other babies, listen to music and sounds, and play with textured objects and fabrics.
Babies, please bring your most playful grownup!
For the final tickets and more information: https://bit.ly/AP_Tingle
Back by popular demand! Next Sunday we'll be hosting more sessions of 'What Animal Other Than Human Are You?'
Come along and explore this important question through sculpture and drawing. You will create a couple of small (5cm tall) ‘busts’ (head and shoulders) with polymer clay which will be baked, for you to take home.
Book here for ages 5 – 8 years: https://bit.ly/3LZVpdF
And here for ages 9 – 11 years: https://bit.ly/3Cn0mKz
"When I listened to the moments presented on the GLOW platform, I found myself breathing more slowly and deliberately. These recordings and their lovely, calming artwork are soothing to an almost unexpected degree."
'GLOW' is currently available as a free digital program for all new parents and carers of babies.
Telling new parents to do mindfulness tasks with their five minutes of free time might not be realistic – but adding mindfulness to tasks you’re already doing is just a good use of time.
Join us this Friday – Sunday for 'Wearable Art', where you can create accessories, jewellery or even a jet pack using recycled and upcycled materials!
Book here for 7 – 10-year-olds: https://bit.ly/AP_WA_710
Book here for 11 – 13-year-olds: https://bit.ly/AP_WA_1113
On October 6 & 7 there is a big tangle going on at ArtPlay and we need a whole lot of babies to help stretch it out. Come and stretch, wind, wobble, sing, and play in this big tangle of fun.
Babies, please bring your most playful grownup!
At ArtPlay: An interactive, movement workshop for babies and grown-ups.
As part of Melbourne Fringe this year, we will be presenting 'Threads'.
The 'Threads' experience is a hybrid of performance and creative play space where children and their families are welcomed into an intriguing world to connect and play together.
Bookings are free, and will open at 7am on the day of the event.
Bookings will open at 7:00am on the day of the event. The Threads experience is a hybrid of performance and creative play space where children and their families are welcomed into an intriguing world to connect and play together. A tale of survival, one right beneath our very noses, yet so often ove...
Coming up at ArtPlay from September 30 – October 2 we have 'Wearable Art', where you can create accessories, jewellery or even a jet pack using recycled and upcycled materials.
Sustainability-focused jeweller Emma Grace will share the foundations of jewellery design and construction with hints and tricks to make your pieces look fantastic!
Book here for 7 – 10-year-olds: https://bit.ly/AP_WA_710
Book here for 11 – 13-year-olds: https://bit.ly/AP_WA_1113
Join us tomorrow for 'Line Dance' (not the country kind) – an invitation to explore the world of possibilities shared by dance and visual arts.
Visual artist Ana Rita Pires and contemporary dancer Alexandra Harrison offer an experience tailored to all abilities. Immersed in mark making and mess we negotiate the space and collaborate with our senses. Take your shoes off and follow a playful trail of charcoal and movement, body and impression and colour and projection to compose a dance of lines.
For ages 7 to 12 years. View more information and book: https://bit.ly/AP_LineDance
Join us this weekend to explore the world of possibilities shared by dance and visual arts.
At ArtPlay: Explore movement and visual arts to compose a dance of lines.
We're ecstatic to have launched 'GLOW' with our friends at Threshold. The free program allows you to explore a digital subscription of creative and connective moments for parents and carers of new babies.
At Home: Explore a digital subscription of creative and connective moments for parents and carers of new babies.
This weekend we host 'Sensory Play in a Wondrous Natural World' – for children and young people with complex disabilities and their families to experience a sensory and creative play session.
Saturday is now sold out, a few tickets remain for Sunday.
At ArtPlay: For children and young people with complex disabilities and their families to experience a sensory and creative play session.
This Sunday is your last chance to experience 'Inside Out' at ArtPlay.
'Inside Out' is a place for imagination and collaboration. There will be all sorts of inspiring materials on hand for you to create artwork or build a play space together. Explore a different idea and activity each time you visit; make a sculpture out of cushions or felt; then turn it into a cubby house. Wrap and weave using ribbon and rope. Listen to music and cast shadows as you play or have a tea party. Anything is possible!
Tickets are free, bookings are not required. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/AP_InsideOut
'Dance, Music, Play' begins this Tuesday. Join dancer Sally Chance and musician Heather Frahn for an interactive ArtPlay program on Zoom – featuring live original music in the comfort of your home.
Tickets available here: bit.ly/AP_Tickets
'Inside Out' is currently running at ArtPlay until Sunday August 28.
'Inside Out' is a place for imagination and collaboration. There will be all sorts of inspiring materials on hand for you to create artwork or build a play space together. Explore a different idea and activity each time you visit; make a sculpture out of cushions or felt; then turn it into a cubby house. Wrap and weave using ribbon and rope. Listen to music and cast shadows as you play or have a tea party. Anything is possible!
Tickets are free, bookings are not required. Head here for more information: https://bit.ly/AP_InsideOut
After two sell-out sessions last week, we're returning with two more final runs of 'What Animal Other Than Human Are You?' this Sunday.
Come and sculpt a human-animal hybrid with polymer clay which will be baked, for you to take home.
Ages 7 – 10 years: https://bit.ly/AP_WAOTH_710
Ages 11 – 13 years: https://bit.ly/AP_WAOTH_1113
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