Tuggeranong Arts Centre has a range of workshops, activities and performances set for all to enjoy at TAC-taster Family Fun Day on 1 July. Photo: Tuggeranong Arts Centre.
These winter school holidays, Tuggeranong Arts Centre (TAC) has something to suit young personalities of all kinds at the 2023 TAC-taster Family Fun Day.
With free entry and a range of attractions to enjoy, parents and carers might even get hooked themselves and are encouraged to get involved in their child’s experiences across visual arts, craft, dance, music and theatre.
Planned workshops include street orchestra music-making with Drummers not Plumbers, experimenting with art in Make a Mess, improvised fun on the theatre stage with Funky Fairytales, and a taste of TAC’s flagship program, Fresh Funk.
CEO Caroline Downer says the centre’s popular dance program, which has come-and-try sessions running all day, has been a hit for over two decades.
“Fresh Funk was formed in 2000 to offer hip hop and contemporary dance classes and performances to young people living in Canberra’s southern suburbs,” she says.
“These days, there are about 300 dancers going through the program every week, ranging from our Littlies class for toddlers through to the professional level Masters class, which is invite only.”
Alongside performances from homegrown Fresh Funk dancers and other local artists, TAC will host casual arts sessions that encourage visitors to get creative with different materials.
“There will be all sorts of relaxed activities that let parents join in and have fun with their kids,” Caroline says.
“They’ll be able to build cardboard cities, make flowers with a group and do some sketching by the lake.
“We have music throughout the day, including two lunchtime shows by Mr Tim and the Fuzzy Elbows. Their energy is so contagious, the whole crowd has a lot of fun.”
CEO Caroline Downer says art gives kids a chance to socialise, develop physical skills, and express thoughts and emotions in a healthy way. Photo: Tuggeranong Arts Centre.
Caroline believes art provides more than entertainment, especially for children beginning to push boundaries and explore their identity.
“Every child is different,” she says.
“Some just don’t enjoy traditional group activities like sport, which is employed pretty heavily in Australian schools as a way for students to bond with their peers, explore leadership roles, and build social skills.
“Rather than these kids missing out on those vital learning stages, we can offer them a space to express themselves and their emotions, tell stories, and form lasting friendships with other kids who share their passion for creativity.”
While the Family Fun Day is geared towards kids of primary age or younger, TAC offers a range of programs and events year-round to interest art lovers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.
The TAC building is outfitted with two dance studios, an art workshop, an activated theatre, an upstairs multipurpose room and three galleries, which host the centre’s exhibition program throughout the year.
“We have about 20 shows go through the gallery showcasing local artists and community works, we run visual art classes, drama workshops, musical performances … Being multi-artful means we cater to a really broad range of visitors,” Caroline says.
“Our centre exists to be a hub of creativity and engagement for Canberra’s southern residents. We are open Tuesday through Saturday and encourage everyone to pop in for free to see what TAC is all about.”
Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s TAC-taster Family Fun Day is on Saturday, 1 July, from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Entry and activities are free – bookings are required for art classes only.
Register to go in the draw to win a family pass to the upcoming performance of A Little Bit of Blue.
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