Abstract

This presentation will investigate current methods of engaging babies and children in the arts in Australia. Case studies will be drawn from galleries, museums, libraries and city councils – with a specific focus on the children’s program at State Library of Queensland. Established at State Library in 2006, this program for children grew to attract over 65,000 visitors each year. Using the State Library experience as a starting point, issues examined will include: developing a culture of care, creativity and excellence amongst employees and artists working with children; establishing a child centred approach within a traditional institution; creating entry points into museums and galleries for children, their teachers, carers and families and creative programming and evaluation methods for babies and children. Also considered will be the move toward more opportunities for positioning children as cultural creators within a professional arts context.

Bionotes Clare is a designer and producer of arts based work for children. She currently works in Community Arts and Cultural Development at Brisbane City Council. Prior to this, Clare worked at State Library of Queensland where she was the Manager of The Corner, a creative space for under 8s. Clare has worked as a set designer for theatre, film and music productions and her illustrations have been exhibited in group and solo shows. Recently, illustrations from Clare’s first picture book, The Flying Orchestra, were exhibited at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. The Flying Orchestra is published by University of Queensland Press, Australia, with a Korean edition soon to be released.