An eight-week free art and wellbeing program for children aged 9-12 experiencing mild anxiety, held at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Saturday 1 August 2026
to Saturday 19 September 2026
10:30am - 12:30pm
Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Free
Experience a calming and engaging art program designed specifically for children aged 9 to 12 who are experiencing mild anxiety. This unique program offers a safe and supportive environment where children and their parents or caregivers can connect with art and each other. Through creative expression, young participants can build self-confidence, resilience, and improve their mental wellbeing.
Each session encourages mindful viewing of artworks, group reflections, and open-ended art-making activities, all facilitated by experienced Art Gallery staff. Parents and caregivers participate in parallel wellbeing sessions, fostering a shared experience that supports family connection.
This program is ideal for children who thrive in quieter environments or are neurodivergent, providing a structured yet flexible space to explore feelings and imagination.
Culture Dose for Kids runs over eight consecutive Saturdays from 10:30 to 12:30, starting 1 August and ending 19 September 2026. Each two-hour session includes:
- Mindful viewing of selected artworks
- Group reflection and discussion
- Morning tea provided
- Open-ended, process-based art-making
- Time for group sharing or quiet observation
All art materials and resources are supplied, ensuring a hassle-free experience for families. The program is free for selected participants and funded by the Art Gallery of NSW.
Sessions take place onsite at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, primarily in the Learning Studio within the Naala Badu building and across various gallery spaces. The venue is accessible and welcoming to children with specific access needs. Assistance animals are permitted, but pets are not.
Families are encouraged to attend all sessions to gain the full benefit of the program. The Art Gallery is located on Gadigal Country, at Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney NSW 2000.
This program is designed for children experiencing mild anxiety and their parents or caregivers, who attend alongside their child. Multiple caregivers are welcome to join to provide additional support. Siblings or friends who are not enrolled cannot attend.
Children are never pressured to speak or share; they can respond in ways that feel comfortable, including drawing or quiet observation. The program is inclusive and supportive, with a focus on wellbeing and creative expression.
If a session is missed, families are asked to notify the organizers in advance. The program is in high demand, and consistent attendance is appreciated to ensure a meaningful experience.
Culture Dose for Kids is free for all participants, generously funded by the Art Gallery of NSW. Registration is required and places are limited to 25 families. Applications are submitted online, and once registrations close, families are contacted for a brief conversation before confirmation.
All materials and morning tea are provided at no cost. Families should notify the organizers of any dietary requirements or allergies when registering. The program encourages early registration due to limited capacity.
