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Young Children’s Arts & Cultural Experiences

  • Aims
  • Rationale
  • News & Events
  • Activities & Publications
  • Links & Partners

Convenors:

Nicola Wallis, Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK
Susan Chapman, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
Clare Murray, Teachers College, Columbia University, United States

Aims:

The aim of this group is to develop a network to encourage cross-national and cross-sector learning, research, and practice-sharing amongst those with an interest in young children’s arts, cultural, and creative experiences.

The group will seek to better understand and promote young children’s cultural citizenship and create connections between researchers, educators, creative practitioners in order to do this.

Our aims draw on the commitments in the UNCRC (United Nations, 1989), articulating the right of every child to free and full participation in cultural life and the arts. Additionally, we believe that arts and culture have a crucial, trans-disciplinary role to play in making progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals:

‘If the SDGs are grouped around the economic, social, and environmental objectives as the three pillars of sustainable development, then culture and creativity contribute to each of these pillars transversally.’ (UNESCO, 2017)

References:

United Nations. (1989). Convention on the Rights of the Child. Treaty Series, 1577, 3. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-child

United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization. (2017). Culture in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda: A report by the Culture 2030 Goal campaign. International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). https://www.ifla.org/files/assets/hq/topics/libraries-development/documents/culture2030goal.pdf

Rationale:

Access to arts and cultural experiences, but also opportunities to experience the world through art and creativity, are important for understanding who we are and how we relate to our community and surroundings.

This is an area in which innovative research is taking place within a range of contexts, including cultural venues and non-formal environments as well as early childhood settings. At the same time, practitioners from both early years and arts and cultural institutions are exploring the role of creativity and cultural engagement in young children’s lives, and what this means for their work.

A key objective for our SIG is to provide a space for practitioners and researchers to come together to share their insights and experiences and inspire each other to cross disciplinary boundaries.

News & Events

Our upcoming meetings will be held at the following times, and all are welcome to attend.

Monday 25th August

  • UK (GMST/Western European Summer Time) 14:00-15:00
  • USA (Eastern Standard Time) 09:00-10:00
  • Australian Eastern Standard time 23:00-00:00

Monday 10th November

  • UK (GMT/Western European Time) 08:00-09:00
  • USA (Eastern Standard Time) 03:00-04:00
  • Australian Eastern Standard/Daylight time 18:00-19:00/19:00-20:00

Friday 6th February

  • UK (GMT/Western European Time) 12:00-13:00
  • USA (Eastern Standard Time) 07:00-08:00
  • Australian Eastern Standard/Daylight time 22:00-23:00/23:00-00:00

Please contact us at young.childrens.art@gmail.com for online meeting links.

Activities & Publications

Some members of the group attended the Art in Early Education Conference that was recently held in Wollongong, Australia, and their experience of the conference has informed their practice and contributions to this SIG.

International Arts in Early Childhood Conference in Wollongong

Attending the 10th International Art in Early Childhood Conference in Wollongong was a truly inspiring gathering of like-minded visionaries in early childhood arts education. From beaded lanyards to beautiful displays of children’s artwork, there was a palpable sense of warmth, creativity, and collegiality that made every attendee feel part of a vibrant, global community from the moment the event began. The conference brought together passionate educators, researchers, artists, curators and advocates who share a deep commitment to the power of visual arts in early childhood education.

The theme, Visual Arts Pedagogy: Connecting with Self, Place, Culture and Community, carried a creative thread throughout the sessions and workshops. It was incredibly inspiring to hear about innovative practices and research that are shaping the future of arts education for young children. The presentations explored how visual arts can nurture children’s identities, foster emotional wellbeing, and build meaningful connections to their environments and cultures. The integration of Indigenous perspectives and the emphasis on environmental stewardship added rich layers of depth and relevance to our discussions.

Photo: Welcome to Country – University of Wollongong

One of the most memorable aspects of the conference was the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals from around the world. These connections sparked thoughtful conversations, collaborative ideas, and lasting friendships. The sense of shared purpose and mutual respect was truly uplifting.

The Brilliant Bursts sessions were a highlight bringing us all dynamic, inclusive, and thought-provoking ideas to ponder. Hearing from experts like Debi Keyte-Hartland, Dr. Sarah Probine, Georgia Freebody, Elaine Chan, Melanie Elderton and Clare Murray (Co-convenor of our very own SIG) offered fresh insights and sparked engaging whole-group discussions that reflected the democratic spirit of the conference.

Photo: Clare Murray, “Museums offer incredible resources – If only we take advantage”

On the final day, we were all invited to visit the Early Start Discovery Space in Wollongong which was a real highlight. Led by Professor Lisa Kervin AM (also in our SIG Steering Group) and her passionate team, we experienced first-hand a truly innovative environment that blends research-informed practice with playful, hands-on learning. The centre’s design empowers children aged 0–10 to explore, create, and connect. The CreARTivity space stood out as a vibrant hub where children can express themselves through diverse artistic media. A brilliant example of how the arts can be both meaningful and magical.


Photos: Early Start Discovery Space

This event was more than just a professional gathering, it was a celebration of creativity, community, and the boundless possibilities that visual arts offer young children. I left feeling inspired, energised, and deeply grateful to be part of such a passionate and forward-thinking network. The conference, a product of the International Art in Early Childhood Association, was convened by Dr. Gai Lindsey. We extend our great thanks to Gai Lindsay and here team for their time, thought and care in hosting and organising the conference. The International Association of Art in Early Childhood continues to be a beacon of excellence and connection in our field, and we’re already looking forward to the next conference!

The SIG will invite its subgroups to contribute towards a combined publication in book form:

  • Focus on research with young children in museums
  • Focus on innovative practices in galleries
  • Focus on early years music education
  • Focus on early years visual arts practice
  • Focus on materials in early years arts and cultural experiences
  • Focus on infant and toddler arts and cultural experiences

Links & Partners

As the SIG seeks to increase its international representation, we would welcome colleagues from regions and countries all around the world. Our Co-Convenors and steering group are from the UK, USA and Australia, providing a range of experiences from formal and informal early childhood education contexts.

Please get in touch with us at young.childrens.art@gmail.com if you are interested in joining us or would like more information.

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