Gallery calls on kids to make some noise about art in Leeds

Leeds Art Gallery is one of more than 20 museums and galleries across the UK taking part by offering dedicated Kids Aloud timeslots and special events for families during the summer holidays.

The child-friendly activities will take place alongside the gallery’s regular summer programme and will include children’s loud gallery tours, as well as portrait workshops and pattern making poetry sessions inspired by current exhibition To Improvise A Mountain: Lynette Yiadom Boakye Curates.

Back by popular demand, the Kids Aloud initiative responds to research from Art Fund revealing that over half (52 per cent) of parents with young children (aged 11 or under) worry about feeling too uncomfortable or embarrassed to take young children into museums and galleries - limiting opportunities for children to engage with art and culture.

The initiative is aimed at making parents of children of all ages feel more comfortable visiting galleries and combatting misconceptions about children being noisy and expressing themselves.

Families can use a National Art Pass for free entry to over 900 museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK, as well as 50 per cent off major exhibitions and discounts in museum shops and cafes.

Nine in ten (92 per cent) parents believe that visiting a museum or gallery is beneficial for their children, however nearly half (45 per cent) of those surveyed agree that there is a perception that some museums and galleries aren’t welcoming to children, and 68% have previously felt judged when bringing their children to galleries and museums.

Amongst all parents in the survey, 52 per cent worry that their children would run around and potentially damage something, with 47 per cent being concerned that their children would be too loud or excitable, and 44 per cent worrying about their kids getting upset and disrupting people.

Art Fund Director, Jenny Waldman, said: “There are hundreds of family-friendly museums and galleries on our doorsteps across the UK, offering a fantastic experience for all the family. 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! A National Art Pass gives free or discounted entry to all these museums so you can visit as many times as you like.”

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture said: “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.

“But we also know that there are still lot of misconceptions about the need to keep young visitors quiet which might put off some people from coming to venues like Leeds Art Gallery.

“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.”

The Kids Aloud initiative runs throughout the school summer holidays from this week onwards.

More details about Kids Aloud activities at Leeds Art Gallery can be found at: Kids Aloud 2025 — With Art Fund | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

ENDS