NGV Teen Council

Applications to join the inaugural NGV Teen Council now open

The National Gallery of Victoria is calling on Victorian teens to represent their peers as a member of the inaugural NGV Teen Council. From planning NGV teen events through to developing activities and programs, this one-year commitment allows members to express themselves creatively and become a part of the NGV team. Applications to join are now open to all 14 – 17 year old Victorians and will close on March 1. 

Building on the NGV's history of engagement with teens from across Victoria, the new formalised Teen Council is one of the few teen advisory groups at a public institution in Australia and will provide young people with a greater opportunity to connect with their peers. In addition to professional and personal growth opportunities, council members will go behind the scenes at the NGV, experience the inner workings of the Gallery and meet curators and staff.

As one of their major projects, the group selected for this year's Teen Council will have the opportunity to help plan the NGV's teen Art Party events. Now in its fourth year, the biannual Art Party is a highlight on the social calendar for many Melbourne and Victorian teens. With after-hours access to major exhibitions at the NGV, Art Party attendees enjoy a night filled with music, dance, interactive activities and performances. The next Art Party event will take place on 7 April and will coincide with the inaugural NGV Triennial.

Tony Ellwood, Director, NGV said: "The NGV Teen Council offers our teenage audience the chance to have their voices heard, while building their skills in an engaging and supportive environment. In collaboration with our team, Teen Council members will be nurtured and mentored to develop events and programs that are designed specifically for them and their friends."

Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley encouraged young Victorians to put their hand up for a spot on the NGV Teen Council: "This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved, be creative and help the NGV develop exciting programs and activities for teenagers. You'll learn the creative ropes from what is undoubtedly the best gallery team in the country."

Bridget, 16, was part of a pilot group in 2017 and said that "being a part of the group was an amazing experience. It gave me the opportunity to help plan Art Party and work with some amazingly talented people that are all so lovely."

Applications for the NGV Teen Council are now open and close on Thursday 1 March. For a full list of application guidelines and conditions visit NGV.MELBOURNE for details.

The NGV wishes to acknowledge The Ullmer Family Foundation for its generous support of NGV Teens.