Mini Mia – Free Educational Program for the Very Youngest of Museum Goers

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A Discussion with Abigail Penders, Youth & Family Programs Specialist

Mini Mia offers a brand new, free educational program for the very youngest of museum goers. It’s offered the first Wednesday of the month from 10:15-11:15am. Registration is required. We talked to Abigail Penders, Program Specialist, about how this program came to be and the components of what you and your child will experience. Make new friends and introduce your child to the wonders of art in a comfortable, kid-friendly setting.

Abigail PendersQ:  Please tell us about the history of Mini Mia. What inspired the creation of this program?

A:  Mini Mia is a new free program at Minneapolis Institute of Art, launched in May of this year, designed for caregivers and their little ones (from birth to five years old). This program engages intergenerational learning in our galleries and through movement. Family Days have been a staple program at Mia for many years, but I noticed at those events, those with the youngest ages of kids were not as comfortable or involved as parents with older children. This led to creating a program to help those parents and caregivers feel comfortable bringing their youngest kids to an art museum! Part of our youth and family programming is making the art in our galleries and exhibitions accessible to a younger audience, through art making and reflection.

Q:  How do you incorporate educational content into your programming while keeping it entertaining for children?

A:  We incorporate educational content in our programming through play and hands-on activities like art making, or watching performances with contented themes. For example, during a Family Day, if we’re learning about an artist who uses screen printing, families will try the process of screen printing in our studios here at Mia to understand how the art was made, and have fun experimenting with art making as well.

Q:  Do you collaborate with educators and schools to enhance the educational value of your programs?

A:  Yes, we collaborate with teaching artists and educators, who help design those projects that engage families with our collection.

Q:  What strategies do you use to make museum visits enjoyable and interactive for families with children?

A:  Through free programming opportunities, families and youth engage with our collection and can learn in unique ways. Our programs dive into our collection and provide a more interactive experience with the museum. Our Mini Mia program brings families into the galleries to take a tour specially designed for young children. This tour involves asking questions, scavenger hunts, teaching tools like replicas of the art on display, and games. This way, younger audiences are encouraged to interact with art in a playful way.

Q:  Are there any upcoming initiatives or new programs specifically designed for children that you're excited about?

A:  Mini Mia just launched in May, and we’re excited to have babies and toddlers in our galleries, learning about art through play and movement! This program is aimed at helping caregivers and giving parents the tools they need to comfortably attend Mia and have an enriching and enjoyable experience. Stay tuned for more events and programs!

Q:  How do you ensure inclusivity and diversity in your children's programming to cater to a wide range of backgrounds and interests?

A:  With a diverse, global collection of art, we’re able to design programming that encompasses a diverse range of experiences for youth and families. We also work with many organizations and local artists that design art making activities and performances so our audience is exposed to a rich cultural experience.

Q:  Can you tell us about those partnerships or collaborations that enhance Mia’s programming offerings for children?

A:  At Mini Mia, we work with YoungDance, a local arts organization in the Twin Cities that designs a movement component to the program based on the art in the galleries the attendees saw that same day. Our work with outside organizations with specialties helps us give our attendees a diverse and enriching experience they can’t get anywhere else. For Family Day, we work with many arts organizations and local artists.

Q:  This is all so innovative and exciting for young children. How may we follow your news?

A:  Stay connected with us at artsmia.org, and join our email newsletter!