Who We Are
Our Story
AKC values the arts and cultural practices which enable children to share their experiences, thoughts, feelings and imaginations so they can connect better to themselves and each other. Our programs focus on working with children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds who would otherwise not have the opportunity to learn or be a part of the arts: art, music, dance, drama and other creative pursuits. The AKC team, together with contributing artists and volunteers, utilise their creativity to design programs that deliver on our vision.
Small Beginnings
In 1994, Jo Darvall, David Larwill and Bernie Jones founded Artists for Kids Culture, with the help of a group of artists and friends who wanted to make a positive difference to the lives of children living in inner-Melbourne public housing. Their initial focus was on the kids living at the inner-city commission flats of Collingwood, Prahran and St Kilda. Since then AKC has helped 1000’s of children across Australia take part in joyful, exciting, life-changing, fun and rewarding activities and experiences funded by artists, sponsors and volunteer.
What is Artists for Kids Culture?
AKC runs two programs assisting kids: our Grants program and our own creation, the artsbus.
Our Grants Program gives monetary grants that allow children to sign up for cultural, artistic, musical and educational activities. Our artsbus Program takes arts to kids when they lack access.
AKC maintains close networks with social and community workers, schools and child advocacy groups to understand and meet cultural and creative needs.
Mission and Vision
AKC inspires kids to use the arts to challenge themselves, build belief in their own creativity and improve their wellbeing. We design and create opportunities for a new generation to emerge with creative confidence.
We believe
Children should have the opportunity to take part in art and cultural experiences that will expand their horizons.
Opportunities are important to every child and lead to benefits in both learning and social skills.
Artists Openings
Artist of the Month
Past Auctions
AKC Board
Artists for Kids Culture began with the simple purpose to support kids who would otherwise miss-out.
Ruth Krawat
Director
Ruth Krawat lives and breathes community and has been on the AKC Committee since 2015, taking on a Board position in May 2020. Ruth, with her roots in TV production and a degree in ‘getting the job done’, is well placed on the AKC Board and assists with the important management of this iconic Melbourne organisation. She loves being able to make a difference in many young kids’ lives.
Kylie Greer
Director & Executive Officer
Kylie Greer has a background in theatre and arts management, studying initially at Victorian College of the Arts and has also recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact. For many years her gallery, Brightspace was the hosting gallery for the AKC exhibition, in 2015 she joined the AKC committee and later the board.
Fiona Larwill
Director
Fiona Larwill is the widow of the late David Larwill, a Founder of AKC. “It is a special privilege that we continue the amazing work started by AKC, almost 30 years ago.”
Tom Ward
Director
Tom has been integral part of AKC over the last 5 years. As a Board Member, Tom brings his experience in strategy and design thinking.
Piyush Thakrar
Treasurer & Company Secretary
Caroline Martin
Director
AKC is honoured to welcome Caroline Martin as a Board Member. Caroline Martin is a direct descendant of the Briggs family and Custodian of Boonwurrung Country. Caroline is an experienced Senior Manager and Senior Policy Adviser in a broad range of environments and has been working and consulting in Aboriginal Affairs for more than 30 years.
AKC Committee
AKC stays in contact with all the welfare agencies and community groups who receive AKC funding. It responds quickly and efficiently to fund grant applications and can be depended on as a reliable resource with an efficient administration process. The AKC Board and Committee are committed to helping children and children’s community organisations.
Anne Algar – Mick Bell – Brenda Cooke - Penny Everett - Lena Glass – Kylie Greer – Charlotte Kenny – Ruth Krawat – Fiona Larwill Catalina - Leon Londono – Ché McMahon – Sarah Murphy – Gen Townsend – Tom Ward – Ros Winkler – Felicity Young
Thank you to Lewis Miller, Shivani Pillai and David H Thomas for their amazing contribution as Committee Members over the last eight years, they have recently resigned and will be very much missed for their passion to AKC and laughs at meetings!
Paint it Forward
Small donations make big differences.
For every $50 donated through “Paint it Forward” we will deliver an art pack filled with amazing art materials, ideas and inspiration to a child we know will love the gift and get so much from your contribution.
Ambassadors
AKC is supported by Ambassadors who are dedicated to supporting and promoting AKC.
Reports and Policies
AKC is a not for profit, for purpose organisation. Our Constitution, guides, policies and reports are publicly available.
ACNC
AKC is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
PBI/DGR
AKC is a Public Benevolent Institution and has Deductible Gift Recipient status
Working with Children
All members of the AKC Committee hold Victorian WWC Certification
