Here’s what to expect at this event.

Everyone aged 13 – 17 is welcome! Please contact events.plus@qagoma.qld.gov.au in advance of the program if you have any accessibility needs or queries about the event. Find out more about Accessibility at QAGOMA and planning your visit.

Participation and content

• The Teens Creativity Lounge sessions are designed for teens aged 13–17 years and are a parent/guardian-free event. QAGOMA staff will be available to support attendees and supervise the event. If a parent, guardian or adult carer needs to accompany a teen for accessibility reasons, they are very welcome to.
• No art skills or experience are required. Activities are designed for all skill levels — you don't have to study art at school. You'll be guided by QAGOMA staff who will be there to support you, and all materials are free and provided.
• These sessions are free and require bookings. The sessions are designed to be drop-in, you can arrive at any time and stay for as little or as long as you like, up to the full two hours.
• Walk-ins are welcome, space permitting. We'll ask your age when you book in for a session or verbally on the door when you arrive.
• Teens are welcome to come with a friend, in a group or solo — many people attend the Gallery and events on their own.
• Want to work solo and don't feel like talking, or keen to meet new people? We'll have stickers available so you can let us know how you'd like to engage in the sessions.
• Free snacks are supplied, with gluten-free, nut-free and vegan options available.
• Teens are not required to be supervised by an adult during their visit, only those 12 and under (as per QAGOMA’s Conditions of Entry). QAGOMA staff supervise the session itself, but are not responsible for participants' safety before they arrive or after they leave the venue.
• The Teens Creativity Lounge sessions are strictly drug-free and alcohol-free. No vaping or smoking is permitted. Anyone under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol will not be permitted entry.
• We ask all attendees to be kind, respectful, and courteous to all participants, speakers and staff at this event. This program will be monitored by QAGOMA staff to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our attendees, speakers and staff.
• The Gallery aims to provide safe and engaging environments and experiences for and with young people. More information is available in our policy.

Sensory aspects and Accessibility

• The session is located in the River Lounge on Level 3 of GOMA, an open space with large windows looking out to the Brisbane River. The space features natural lighting and is brightly lit, you may wish to wear sunglasses.
• The session has a maximum capacity of 100 attendees.
• Amplified music will be played during the session.
• The space may get a little noisy, and there may be low-level noise from a nearby artwork or the sounds of the Gallery. Many visitors like to wear headphones or earplugs to visit the Gallery and attend events.
• The session is wheelchair accessible.
• A mixture of seating will be available, including low stools without backs, floor cushions and mats. Please advise staff onsite if you require a chair with a back.
• There are bathrooms in the River Lounge, including accessible toilets. The bathrooms have sensor lights which activate as you enter.
• The Gallery air conditioning is set to 21°C to conserve the artworks.
• This event may be photographed by QAGOMA staff. If you do not wish to be photographed, please advise a QAGOMA staff member.
• If the event becomes overwhelming or stressful, earmuffs and sensory kits are available. Each kit contains a number of resources for self-regulation and calming — please speak to a staff member for assistance. These kits can also be requested in advance by emailing events.plus@qagoma.qld.gov.au