Plan Your School Visit

For pre-school through to year 12

Seeing works of art in situ and engaging with primary sources is an effective strategy for learning about the skills, techniques, materials and processes used by artists, and in turn can be used by students in their own work.

Sometimes seeing the detail in a painting or print, the texture of a surface or the scale of a sculpture can only be appreciated when in front of the work itself. Works of art are ideal platforms to talk about our collective history while simultaneously exploring what is happening in the world today.

Pre-visit

Preparing for your visit will ensure a more rewarding and enjoyable experience for students. We recommend coming to the Gallery before your excursion to develop a clear plan for your visit.

For updates follow AGSA Education on Instagram and Facebook.

If your enquiry is for a tertiary or community group please see our bespoke tours booking page.

Before making a booking see tour and workshop options

Bookings are essential for all school groups. We recommend booking at least four weeks in advance.

If you are a home school group - please see our Home School page for suggestions before making your booking.

Request your visit

Contact AGSA Education via email email or T 08 7085 1660 if your enquiry relates to Kindy/pre-school through to a Year 12 school setting. For all other enquiries including tertiary please see our bespoke tours booking page.

The following information has been designed to assist in the completion of your risk assessment form.

Arrival and departure

AGSA is located on North Terrace which is a high traffic area. It is recommended that children are closely supervised when crossing roads, boarding transport and walking to and from the Gallery.

Allow time prior to commencing your tour or program to sign in at the cloaking desk and place belongings in the trolleys provided bag storeroom. Please notify a security guard or staff member for access to the bag trolley and storeroom. This is not a secure area and it recommended that valuables are always carried with you and your students or not brought on the excursion.

Moving around the Gallery

We welcome school groups for guided and self-guided visits under the following guidelines:

  • Entry and exit will be from Fish Gates on the western side of the gallery
  • School bags and valuables are discouraged where possible.
  • Groups must be divided into smaller groups (15 people maximum in each group)
  • We ask while in the building that all schools practice good hygiene and social distancing.
  • Food and drinks are not permitted in the Gallery, with the exception of bottled of water.
  • This advice is subject to change based on advice from SA Government. Please check the website for the latest information before visiting AGSA.

Public toilets are located at the front of the building (the North Terrace end of the building) and next to the restaurant located at the back of the building.

Ramp access is available from Gallery 6 into Gallery 17. A mobility access lift is available in Gallery 5 to Gallery 6. An elevator is available opposite the Studio with a capacity of two people, from the Atrium to Gallery 7 and basement galleries for temporary exhibitions. See Gallery map for more information to plan your journey through the space.

Workshops

AGSA workshops are designed using non-toxic materials. Workshops may include the use of paint, glue, scissors, charcoal, Plasticine, pencils and textas. In the event where other materials are used such as spray paint or tools used for printmaking, facilitators will provide the appropriate protective equipment and instructions for correct use.

A nude model is provided during some life drawing sessions. Photographs are not permitted during these sessions. Advance communication of this will be provided.

Behaviour

We ask that all students are supervised during their visit and adhere to requests made by Gallery staff and security. Please move carefully throughout the Gallery spaces, being mindful of works of art which could be on the wall, floor or plinths. We ask that visitors do not touch works of art.

First Aid

A qualified first aid officer is on duty 7 days per week. Schools are permitted to carry their own first aid bag in the Gallery spaces.

Incident reporting

All incidents or near-miss experiences should be reported to an AGSA staff member or security guard.

Emergencies

In the event of an emergency AGSA security and staff will direct all visitors to the closest assembly point.

Gallery staff and child safety

All Gallery Guides, Education and Public Programs staff have a current National Police Check and workshop facilitators and education staff have a Working with Children’s Check. Copies of these can be provided upon request for Outreach workshops.

Insurance

AGSA is insured under the South Australian Government’s Insurance and Risk Management arrangements with SAFA. Under this agreement between SAFA and AGSA, SAFA will meet the cost of any Civil Liability claim made against AGSA. See letter of insurance here

Gallery Etiquette

Prepare your students by teaching them about gallery etiquette:

  • Look closely at works of art
  • Ask questions
  • Discover something new
  • Respect the works of art by not touching
  • Be mindful of other visitors
  • Bringing tote bag as opposed to backpacks
  • Pencils only
  • Food and drink cannot be consumed inside the galleries
  • Enjoy your visit

Enter through the Fish Gates. If arriving by private bus, we recommend being dropped off along Kintore Avenue.

Meet at the Information Desk in the Atrium. You will need to sign in, indicating student and teacher numbers for the day.

We strongly recommend not bringing bags to the Gallery. In the instance where a bag is required, a tote bag is preferred to carry essential items for the day, as opposed to backpacks.

In the event of high visitation, students may be required to wear backpacks on the front of their bodies or carry their tote bag during their visit.

Please do not bring valuables. We have limited space at the Gallery resulting in school bags being stored in unsupervised public spaces. This means there may be a risk of theft and we cannot guarantee the security of your items.

Please share this information with your students and parents/caregivers.

Split your students into supervised groups. We recommend these ratios:
Preschool – year 2: 1 adult to 6 students
Years 3–7: 1 adult to 10 students
Years 8–12: 1 adult to 15 students

Lunch can be eaten in the Sculpture Courtyard, but remember hats and sunscreen.

We encourage non-flash photography to record and support discussion and learning back at school. You can take photographs for personal use in all areas of the Gallery unless signs say otherwise.

All areas of the Gallery are accessible by wheelchair. Disability toilets are in two locations. Find out more

Stay in touch

For resources, classroom suggestions and learning program updates for students and teachers, subscribe to the Education Enews and follow agsa.education on Instagram and Education at the Gallery on Facebook.

Send us photos

We’d love to see photos of your students engaging with works of art, participating in workshops or their works of art inspired by their visit. Email photos to education@artgallery.sa.gov.au so we can share your outcomes with other educators. Caregiver permission for publicity purposes is required for student contributions.

The Gallery’s Learning and Educator programs are supported by the Government of South Australia through the Department for Education.

More resources for planning your visit