Atlas Art Club: 5-15 years

Atlas Art Club is running at Newcastle City Library on three Thursday afternoons this spring: 29 October, 12 November and 26 November, from 4 to 5pm. It's for kids aged 5 to 15, and it's free, so if you've got a young one who likes to make things, it's a low-stakes way to get them into a proper creative routine for a few weeks.

Each session focuses on a different way of working. On 29 October they'll be doing relief collage, on 12 November it's sculpture, and on 26 November they'll move into assemblage. The whole thing is built around exploring new techniques and looking at the stories behind the art in the library's collections, so they're not just making things in a vacuum—there's a bit of context to go with the doing. No previous experience is needed, and all the equipment is provided, which means you don't have to worry about stocking up on supplies before you head in.

It's part of the broader Atlas program, a State Library of NSW initiative designed to spark curiosity and creativity in children. The Art Club sits alongside a Book Lovers Club and a Young Writers Club, and the sessions are led by experienced professionals. There's a social side to it too: kids work with library staff and other children in the building, and they connect with Atlas Club members across the state via Zoom. In Newcastle, it's one of the library's youth programs, and it's supported by the John B Foundation.

Bookings are essential, so you'll need to secure a spot ahead of time. If your child is 12 or under, you'll need to stay in the library with them, and for anyone under 16, you'll need to provide contact details when you book. The sessions run from 4 to 5pm on Thursdays 29 October, 12 November and 26 November at Newcastle City Library, 15 Laman Street, Newcastle 2300, and they're free.