kids and mrag policy documents

kids + young people @ mrag programming policy

mrag is committed to child-centred programming. mrag believes in creating culturally relevant and accessible arts activities for children, which have a strong emphasis on play and children’s lived experiences. mrag acknowledges that:

• Childhood is a changing construct, different from previous generations, demanding grounded approaches connected to children’s lived experiences.
• Children are diverse, active citizens participating in and contributing to the social and cultural landscape now.1

mrag believes that young people are culturally active, creative citizens in their own right. Further, mrag recognises that those arts practices engaged in by young people are not necessarily those practices traditionally associated with Art. mrag aims to acknowledge the diversity of young people’s arts practice by creating culturally relevant programs connected to young people’s everyday lives.

1 These philosophical principles are recommended in ‘Children, their parents and the arts’, an initiative of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Out of the Box Festival of Early Childhood, the Australia Council for the Arts and the Queensland University of Technology.

conditions of enrolment

Minimum class size is 5 students. Classes will be cancelled if there are insufficient students, so bring along a friend to join as well.

If a class is cancelled, you will be notified by phone as soon as possible. A refund cheque or credit note will be issued, so please keep your receipts.   No refund given if a student discontinues a class that has begun. We cannot accept responsibility for any changes in circumstances.

Management reserves the right to change tutors if circumstances arise, as well as change class times, venue and structure, as well as refuse enrolment. Unruly behaviour by children in classes will not be tolerated. Any complaints must be made in writing.   

All care is taken, but Maitland City Council accepts no responsibility for any accident, loss or injury suffered by students during the course of classes. Should the supervisor consider that medical or hospital treatment is required, this will be obtained at the student’s expense.

Please note: enrolment is not complete until fees have been paid.

kids @ mrag duty of care policy

Maitland Regional Art Gallery (mrag) is committed to a child-centred approach to our work with children and young people. We undertake to provide a safe environment and experience, where the welfare of the child/young person is paramount. MRAG education staff and volunteers adhere to Maitland City Council’s Child Protection Policy. Parents/guardians or teachers should inform a member of the education staff if a child has any specific needs.

mrag workshops and arts projects

mrag aims to provide culturally relevant and engaging workshops and projects for children and young people. MRAG aims to facilitate a positive group working environment. If a child or young person is being disruptive during a workshop or project MRAG education staff will undertake the following actions:

• employ different strategies to engage the child/young person in the activity;
• talk quietly to the child/young person about their inappropriate behaviour;
• take the child/young person out of the workshop environment and wait with them until their parent/guardian is called to come and collect them.

Young People

mrag is not an after-school care program or a child minding service. Young people chose whether they come to the art gallery and they are free to leave when they wish. When a young person leaves, at any time, we usually do not:

• Ask them where they are going
• Drive them home (except in very exceptional circumstances)
• Supervise them while they wait for transport
• Take any responsibility for them once they leave.

School Visits

When visiting mrag school groups are required to provide adequate staffing and adult supervision. It is the responsibility of the school staff/guardians to provide adequate behaviour management during the course of their visit to the art gallery. Behaviour management is not the responsibility of MRAG education staff/volunteers.

For any information on mrag ’s education programs or policies please contact Lauren van Katwyk, Education Coordinator laurenv@maitland.nsw.gov.au
ph (02) 4934 9858

For the purposes of this policy MRAG defines a young person as persons aged 13 and above.