Families across Gippsland will have plenty of opportunities to spark creativity these summer school holidays, with National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Kids on Tour returning this month with a packed program of free, hands-on art activities at local galleries, libraries and community arts centres.
The National Gallery of Victoria’s popular outreach program will visit a range of venues across the region, bringing artist-led workshops, drawing activities and playful creative experiences directly into local communities.
Inspired by the NGV’s summer children’s exhibition Let’s Party! Fashion for Kids Designed by Danielle Brustman, this year’s tour celebrates parties, imagination and self-expression. Children can decorate festive party hats, design colourful celebration cakes, join creative party games and take part in collaborative drawing activities that connect generations.
In East Gippsland, activities will be held at East Gippsland Art Gallery on January 13, 14, 20 and 21, while Gippsland Art Gallery in Sale will host a session on January 21. Libraries will also play a key role, with events at Leongatha Library on January 20 and 23 and Korumburra Library on January 15.
Further west, children and families can take part at Baw Baw Arts Alliance on January 15, West Gippsland Arts Centre on January 16, and Latrobe Regional Gallery on January 20 and 22. Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre will host a workshop on January 21, alongside drop-in NGV Kids on Tour activities running throughout January.
Younger children will be invited to explore the natural world through Nature and Us with Olaf Breuning, a series of guided drawing activities developed in collaboration with the Swiss contemporary artist. The sessions encourage kids to discover forest creatures through art, while storytime activities using My Nature Book with Olaf Breuning bring the environment to life through movement, music and imagination.
Older children and teenagers can take part in Perfume in the 1700s, designing their own perfume bottles inspired by nature, fantasy or pop culture, while learning about the history of fragrance as an art form.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks MP said the Victorian Government was proud to support the program, which continues to grow each year.
“The NGV is Australia’s most popular art gallery and we are proud to back the NGV Kids on Tour program, which is set to be
the biggest ever this summer, bringing free, fun, creative activities to children
and families,” he said.
NGV director Tony Ellwood AM said the program’s strength lay in its local partnerships.
“Each year, NGV Kids on Tour grows in reach and we are proud to partner with more than 160 community venues across Victoria to ensure children and families everywhere can experience the joy of making art together,” he said.
NGV Kids on Tour runs throughout January 2026 at venues across metropolitan and regional Victoria. Families are encouraged to check individual venue websites for session times and booking details.
