APT 2002 Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, Brisbane, Australia : Report

It is interesting to note the inverse relationship of child and parent views on first, second and third preference activities in the sensorimotor area. Though not highly significant, the variation shows that parents may not be the best predictor of children’s choices for activity and learning in museum settings. It is worth noting that asking children is a highly reliable means of ascertaining their direct preferences. Quiet and Technology Storytelling and the Who am we? computer interactive were identified by parents/carers as preferred quiet and technology activities. This corresponds with children’s top selections in these categories. Part 3: Observations of parent-child visitors at ‘Summer Spectacular’: Perceptions and comments Observational data was collected throughout the 15 day festival. Observation schedules were designed to gather information about how family visitors engage with activities, events and art during their visit to the APT ‘Summer Spectacular’. Most observation periods lasted for 20 minutes. Observation sites were visited during the first week and revisited during the second week of the festival. Observations focused on noting family and children’s level of enjoyment, engagement and social interaction. Data was collected by QUT researchers and QAG staff. ART Behavioural observations of family groups were conducted at the following art works: Narcissus garden, Soul under the moon (Infinity Room) , Flying angels, Blue-green bridge, Who am we? and Gallery 5 wall (Flowers). Overall, children demonstrated a high level of engagement with many of the art works in the APT. However, the art works that were the most popular and appeared to be universally enjoyed by children and families were Narcissus garden and Soul under the moon (Infinity Room). Narcissus garden had a high attraction and holding power for children. Children were drawn to the balls and demonstrated high levels of enjoyment when interacting with them. Children were observed pushing, throwing, submerging and spinning the balls. The art work stimulated children to ask questions like, “What makes the balls move?” and make discoveries—“I see me!”. Children expressed looks of concentration and exhilaration when ‘playing’ with the balls. Children appeared to be fascinated by the ‘Infinity Room’. They exhibited high levels of curiosity and anticipation while waiting in the queue—some jumping up and down with excitement. While in the room, the children observed, focused on themselves and commented on their clothing rather than exploring the concept of infinity. Typical comments made by children upon exiting the room were, “cool” and “weird”. The question however, of whether or not children realised that Narcissus garden and the Soul under the moon are works of art is not clear from our observations, and indicates that more sophisticated tools may be required to interrogate this matter. The Blue-green bridge attracted the attention of many children. Parents were observed reading the label and the ‘Please do not touch’ sign to their children. Many families worked together to fill in the children’s booklet. The work seemed to act like a magnet for young children. The typical behaviour demonstrated by the young children was to see the work, run over to it and touch it. Children were excited to make the discovery that the bridge was made of figures— “It’s little people!”. They also commented on the colour, noticing that it changed from green to blue. Children commented variously on the art work. Although Who am we? , Gallery 5 wall (Flowers) and Flying angels made strong connections with individual children, generally, many family groups walked by without noticing or interacting with them. Perhaps this was due to their installation: Flying angels were positioned way overhead for a child; Gallery 5 wall appeared as wallpaper to many. PERFORMANCE Family groups showed a high level of enjoyment during many of the performances at the APT ‘Summer Spectacular’. Performances observed include: the Bug Master, Perlie Shellz, Hula Haka, Acrobats, Noodle Oodle and Speak it, Sing it, Dance it . Although the performances were very different—requiring varying degrees of audience participation— there were aspects of each performance that appealed to family groups. The Bug Master was very popular with children. Children’s faces lit up when they saw him; many ran up to him and hugged him. The Bug Master was mobbed at times. Children wanted to touch and cuddle him. A few young children however were frightened of him. Other features of the performances that family groups responded positively to include: • Listening to stories ( Perlie Shellz ) • Music /Dancing ( Perlie Shellz; Sing it, Speak it Dance it ) • Making things ( Perlie Shellz; Sing it, Speak it Dance it ) • Performing /working together as a family ( Perlie Shellz; Sing it, Speak it Dance it, Hula Haka ) • Physical activity ( Hula Haka ) • Wow factor ( Acrobats, Noodle Oodle ) 110