What to Expect

Here’s what to expect at this workshop. Find out more about Accessibility at QAGOMA and planning your visit.

Participation and Content

  • This workshop is a drop-in activity held from 10.00am – 3.30pm daily during Queensland school holidays: 19 September – 5 October 2026, 12 December 2026 – 26 January 2027 and 27 March – 11 April 2027 (excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day & Good Friday). Dates and times are subject to change.
  • This is a self-guided and self-directed workshop, with QAGOMA staff available to assist you. The estimated participation time is approximately 20 minutes, however you can spend shorter or longer depending on your pace.
  • Walk-ins welcome and no bookings are required for this workshop. Included with your ‘Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company’ exhibition ticket. Book your timed entry ticket.
  • This workshop is designed for all ages and skill levels, with no experience necessary. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use their discretion in deciding whether this workshop feels right for their child's interests and enjoyment. If you are unsure whether this workshop is the right fit for your child, please reach out to events.plus@qagoma.qld.gov.au
  • You are welcome to come with a friend, in a group or by yourself. Many people attend the Gallery and events solo.
  • We ask all attendees to be kind, respectful and courteous to all participants and staff during this workshop. This workshop will be monitored by QAGOMA staff to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our attendees and staff.

Materials

  • You don't need to bring anything—all materials are supplied including socks, pipe cleaners, puppet accessories and ping pong balls. No scissors or glue will be used during the workshop.
  • Please ensure you return materials. Finished puppets are left behind so the materials can be reused by others to create even more characters. At the conclusion of the exhibition, all materials will be donated.

Sensory Aspects and Accessibility

  • Stools without backs will be available for use throughout. Should you require a chair with a back, please let a QAGOMA staff member know.
  • The workshop is located in the River Room, a light-filled room inside the Gallery. Different areas of the workshop and exhibition will be dimly or brightly lit (you may choose to wear sunglasses).
  • The workshop has a maximum capacity of 36 participants at any one time.
  • The lip-sync component of the workshop will feature digital screens, music played through headphones and bright lights. Participation in the lip-sync component is optional.
  • The Gallery air conditioning is set to 21°C to conserve the artworks.
  • We try our best to minimise sound in the surrounding space, but sometimes there might be low level noise from a nearby artwork or the sounds of the Gallery.
  • If the workshop becomes overwhelming or stressful, earmuffs and sensory kits are available. Each kit contains resources for self-regulation and calming. Please speak to a staff member for assistance. These kits can also be requested in advance by emailing access@qagoma.qld.gov.au
  • The bathrooms have sensor lights that activate as you enter.

Information for Families

  • Please supervise any children under the age of 12 for whom you are responsible.
  • Cloak rooms are at the entrances to both QAG and GOMA. Please check bags bigger than 40cm x 15cm x 35cm, umbrellas and items our staff feel may not be safe for other visitors or works of art inside the Gallery.
  • Prams are welcome, and all areas of QAG and GOMA are accessible by lift or ramp. Designated pram parking will be available.
  • Parents' rooms are available at GOMA on Level 1 and Park Level.
  • Breastfeeding and infant bottle-feeding are welcome anywhere in the Gallery, or you can use the parents' rooms at either QAG or GOMA. The parents' rooms can be used to mix infant formula. Food and drink for older children and adults are not allowed in the Gallery, and we ask you to please keep water bottles in a bag.
  • A water bottle refill station is located outside GOMA—please bring your own water bottles for refilling. No food or drink are permitted within the Gallery spaces.

Photography and Filming

  • You may be photographed and/or filmed by QAGOMA staff. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please advise a QAGOMA staff member.