Step into a world of pumpkins, petals, and polka dots at the NGV Teens Art Party on Saturday, 1 March 2025, from 6–9 PM. Inspired by the vibrant and immersive summer blockbuster exhibition Yayoi Kusama, this exclusive after-hours event invites high school students to explore the exhibition, connect with peers, and enjoy a night of creativity, music, and hands-on art-making.
Friendship Speed Dating, hosted by Melbourne creative collective Ladies of Leisure, offers a fun and engaging way for teens to expand their social circles. Through guided conversations, participants can connect over shared interests in art, design, and culture.
For those curious about artistic careers, University of Melbourne Arts students will host pop-up talks within the exhibition, sharing insights into Kusama’s works and their own experiences studying and working in the arts. These talks provide valuable guidance on study and career pathways in the creative industries.
The night also features a hands-on zine-making activity with Melbourne-based graphic designer and illustrator Suyeon Park. Inspired by Kusama’s immersive environments, teens can illustrate their own imaginative worlds. Park, a Korean-Australian artist, explores cultural identity, childhood memories, and optimism through digital and traditional illustration.
Referencing Kusama’s childhood on her family’s seed and plant farm, face-painting artists will offer floral-themed designs. Meanwhile, the iconic Great Hall transforms into a vibrant dance floor, with Melbourne-based DJ Claire Knight spinning a high-energy mix of genre-bending dance music, bold vocal hooks, and crowd-favourite anthems.
Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV, said: “Since 2015, more than 22,000 teens have come together at NGV to explore exhibitions, participate in creative workshops, and connect through art. With over 12,500 attendees at NGV Teens Art Party over the years, its ongoing popularity highlights the importance of making the gallery an inviting and inspiring space for the next generation of artists and creatives.”
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