A Calmer Kind of Saturday: A Free Art & Wellbeing Program for Kids at the Art Gallery of NSW

If you have a child aged 9 to 12 who experiences mild anxiety, you’ll know that crowded sports fields and high-energy activities aren’t always the right fit. Sometimes what they need is something quieter. Slower. Thoughtful.

Enter Culture Dose for Kids, a free eight-week art and wellbeing program at the Art Gallery of New South Wales designed specifically for children experiencing mild anxiety and their parents or caregivers.

Running onsite at the Art Gallery, this small-group program creates a safe, structured space where young people can explore artworks, connect with their feelings and respond creatively, without pressure.

What is Culture Dose for Kids?

Culture Dose for Kids is led by the Art Gallery of NSW and developed in collaboration with the Black Dog Institute, based on research into the connection between arts engagement and mental wellbeing.

The idea is simple but powerful. Time spent with art can help children:

• connect to their thoughts and emotions
• build confidence and resilience
• strengthen social connections
• support overall mental health and wellbeing

This is not an art class focused on technique or performance. It’s process-based, reflective and supportive.

What happens during a session?

Each two-hour session runs across eight consecutive Saturdays from 10.30am to 12.30pm at the Art Gallery of NSW, primarily in the Learning Studio in the Naala Badu building and throughout gallery spaces.

Children can expect:

• mindful viewing of selected artworks
• gentle group reflection and discussion
• morning tea
• open-ended art-making
• time for quiet observation or sharing

At the same time, parents and caregivers participate in a parallel wellbeing session, before joining their child for the art-making component. This is very much a shared experience, not a drop-and-run program.

All materials are provided, along with a light morning tea.

Who is it suited to?

The program is designed for children who may benefit from a supportive, small-group environment. It is particularly suited to children who experience mild anxiety, are neurodivergent, or thrive in quieter spaces.

Importantly, children are never required to speak or share in ways that feel uncomfortable. They can respond in whatever way works best for them, whether that’s talking, drawing or simply observing.

The program is inclusive and welcomes children with access requirements. Families are encouraged to include relevant information during the application process so appropriate support can be arranged.

Next intake: August – September 2026

The next Culture Dose for Kids program runs:

1 August – 19 September 2026
Saturdays, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Art Gallery of New South Wales

Registrations open 1 April and close 1 June 2026.

Places are limited to 25 families and demand is high. Families are kindly asked to commit to attending all eight sessions to ensure children receive the full benefit of the program.

How to apply

Applications are submitted via an online form through the Art Gallery of NSW. After registrations close, staff review submissions and contact families for a brief conversation before confirming places.

For more information, families can:

Email: access@ag.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 02 9225 1700
More info: Click here

If your child could benefit from a calm, creative space that nurtures confidence and connection, this is one to bookmark ahead of April registrations.

About Author

Francesca Millena

Writer, foodie and ideas-sponge, Francesca grew up in the Inner West and loves writing about all things IW related from playgrounds and podcasts, restaurants and retail, bubble tea and basketball courts. Mum to an active child, she also knows a thing or two about keeping a little one entertained on a rainy day.

See author's posts