VICTORIA.- Kids and families can explore the wonders of the ocean at the National Gallery of Victoria Kids Summer Festival returning this school holidays for a week of FREE performances, yoga, dance, artist-led workshops and art-making activities inspired by the immersive underwater exhibition, RIFIFI: Jean Jullien for Kids. Taking place at NGV International from 8 – 14 January, RIFIFI is the centrepiece of this year’s festival, created by French artist Jean Jullien. In the exhibition, young visitors can dress in fish costumes, discover an interactive ocean scenography in the artist’s bold, illustrative style, and draw sea creatures inspired by the surrounding murals of fish, dolphins, stingrays, and more.

During the Festival, ocean-inspired workshops in the Great Hall include a Baby Shark Dance Party with easy-to-follow dance moves; storytelling and yoga sessions with ocean-inspired yoga flows including the ‘downward dolphin’; plus a workshop called Shake your fins! where kids can enjoy dancing and games presented by Emotion21, an innovative dance and fitness program for children and young adults with Down syndrome.

Artist-led workshops give children an opportunity to discover their creative flair and take home their own art. Thai artist Bundit Puangthong introduces kids to a mythical character Macchanu who is half-fish and half-monkey. Families can join Puangthong’s puppet making workshop to create their own version of Macchanu in vibrant colours and patterns. Melbourne artist Ella Dunn has created a beach scene reflecting on fond memories growing up by the sea. Children can transform the scene using watercolour pencils to add swimmers, surf boards, beach umbrellas, and more.

A traditional Indian Bharathanatyam dance workshop led by the Artistic Director of Chandralaya Dance School, Deepa Mani, guides families through a lively routine featuring expressive gestures and animated facial expressions that emulate the fluidity of the ocean.

The importance of creative storytelling is highlighted through Afrodance and Storytelling, a workshop presented by Gracieuse Amah of Kwabo Events, taking young visitors on a journey to discover African dance styles, upbeat Francophile African music and animals from the continent.

Kids can learn about local wildlife and waterways from City of Melbourne Park Rangers who care for the parks and gardens around the city. The Park Rangers will share facts and activities about the animals that live along Melbourne’s waterways including possums, rakali (water rat), lizards, kookaburras and swans.

Relaxed Sessions take place on 11 and 13 January offering early access to the festival and RIFIFI: Jean Jullien for Kids for visitors who would benefit from a quieter experience with fewer people and reduced sensory stimuli.

Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Books, said: ‘Proudly backed by the Allan Labor Government the NGV Kids Summer Festival is just one of the ways we’re making sure all Victorians have access to world-class creativity in their own backyard. Come for a day or for the week – this jam-packed, totally free program is why NGV is Australia’s most popular gallery and a space for all ages.’

Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV, said: ‘This year’s NGV Kids Summer Festival offers kids and families the opportunity to delve into the underwater world created by French artist Jean Jullien for the NGV Triennial and marvel in the wonders and creativity to be found in the ocean.’

Ten years since it was initiated by the National Gallery of Victoria, the NGV Kids on Tour series returns in 2024 bringing free art-making activities and workshops to kids and families across Victoria. Marking the largest program to date with more than 140 venues participating across metropolitan and outer metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, the 2024 NGV Kids on Tour reaches galleries, libraries, paediatric hospitals, neighbourhood houses, migrant resource centres, and community organisations.

Coinciding with the NGV’s free summer exhibition for children and families, RIFIFI: Jean Jullien for Kids, NGV Kids on Tour celebrates the work of local and international contemporary artists and designers, as they draw inspiration from the world around

NGV Kids on Tour 2024 art-making activities include:

·Underwater Drawing Club – Inspired by Triennial artist Jean Jullien’s exhibition RIFIFI, this activity inspires children to create drawings of their favourite sea creature using Jullien’s signature bold and playful style.

·To Become Light – Drawing upon Melbourne artist Jenna Lee’s installation of paper lanterns in Balarr (to become light), children can discover the special symbols Lee has painted on her lanterns and complete their own lantern and dilly bag drawings with symbols of their identity.

·Inspiration Train – Encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills, children can design an object inspired by their favourite food using design tips for the world you live in from Australian designers Daniel To and Emma Aiston.

·Remaking Home – Inspired by the work of Melbourne-based artists and wildlife carers Gracia & Louise, children can create a collage from drawings of native Australian plants and animals.

·Meet the Fantastic Grey-headed Flying Fox – In this activity, young children and their families can draw a Grey-headed Flying Fox and discover interesting facts about this often-misunderstood furry mammal.

Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks, said: ‘NGV Kids on Tour turns ten in 2024 and the party will extend across the state with free activities for kids, teens and families happening at more than 140 locations across Victoria. From Beechworth to Bairnsdale, this program is a great example of how our flagship cultural institutions collaborate with regional and suburban galleries, libraries and community organisations to present fun activities for all Victorians.’

Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV, said: ‘The Kids on Tour program is an integral part of the NGV’s role in connecting children and their families through art, design and culture. Ten years on from its inception, NGV has this year partnered with more community venues than ever, reinforcing NGV’s commitment to providing access to art and design for all Victorians.’

NGV Kids on Tour takes place in January 2024 at venues across regional and metropolitan Victoria. For individual program dates visit the websites of the venues listed in the media release attached. them.

NGV Kids Summer Festival runs 8 – 14 January 2024 and is FREE. The NGV warmly thanks City of Melbourne for their support of Kids Summer Festival 2024.