The initiative allows for children to fully express themselves in environments where they and their parents would often feel uncomfortable.
Kids Aloud is a programme that was created by the Art Fund – the national charity for museums and galleries – and invites children to simply be themselves.
The idea came after research found over half (52%) of parents with young children, aged 11 or under, worry about taking their children to museums and art galleries due to fears they will be too loud.
Leeds City Council have announced that, this summer, the scheme will be returning to the city’s art gallery, located in Millenium Square. The institution is one of 20 that offers the scheme across the UK.
As part of the programme, parents and their children are offered time slots to visit Leeds Art Gallery without fear they will be told off or judged for being too loud. What’s more, special events are also due to be hosted in the space, of which more information can be found here.
‘There are hundreds of family-friendly museums and galleries on our doorsteps across the UK, offering a fantastic experience for all the family,’ Jenny Waldman, director of Art Fund, said. ‘We hope that our Kids Aloud initiative will encourage parents to bring their little ones and let them run free in an environment where noisiness and expression will be actively encouraged!’
Cllr Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, added: ‘We’re really proud of our work to ensure our museums and galleries are always accessible, family-friendly spaces where visitors can feel comfortable and confident taking their kids.
‘That’s why we’re pleased to be taking part in this initiative and to be giving families the chance to come along and shout as loudly as they like about culture and the arts while enjoying the incredible surroundings and collection that the gallery has to offer this summer.’
Image via Leeds City Council
In related news:
Leave a Reply