Frequently Asked Questions

School Visits: FAQ for Teachers & Schools

Scheduling and Programming

When are school programs offered?

School programs are offered Tuesday-Friday during the school year. Tour and Studio Workshops at the Gallery are offered for morning sessions (9:00-11:30 am) and afternoon sessions (12:30-2:30 pm). KWAG 2 GO programs at your school are booked according to your school’s bell schedule with a start time no earlier than 9:00 am. 

Who delivers the programs?

School programs are delivered by KWAG’s professional Artist Educators.

Can my group eat lunch/snack at the Gallery?

Yes. Please contact us in advance of your booking date to request a time and space to eat your lunch or snack during your visit.

How many group supervisors should I bring to the Gallery?

We recommend planning for the following ratio of adult supervision for your students:

  • Kindergarten: 5 students to 1 adult
  • Primary: 8 students to 1 adult
  • Junior: 10 students to 1 adult
  • Intermediate/High School: 1 adult per class

 

Do you have any group size regulations?

The minimum group size for school programs is 15 students. While we can accommodate groups of less than 15 students, the baseline cost for your program will be calculated based on a group of 15 students. We can accommodate a maximum of 60 students for school programs.

Can I bring my class in for a self-guided visit?

Yes. All groups must be booked in advance with the Education Coordinator to ensure space is available by emailing sbennett@kwag.on.ca or calling 519-579-5860 x 213. Failure to notify the Gallery of your visit may result in space being unavailable for your class. Self-guided groups may not use the studio or the lunch/snack area and will not have access to school programs interpretive materials. A donation of $2/student is recommended for self-guided groups.

 

Booking

How do I book a school program?

Contact our Education Coordinator, Sarah Bennett, at sbennett@kwag.on.ca. We will follow up with the appropriate form for your choice of school program and a confirmation of your program dates, times and fees.  

How do I cancel or make changes to a confirmed booking?

We require a minimum of two weeks notice for cancellations or changes to your booking. Contact the Education Coordinator at sbennett@kwag.on.ca or by phone at 519-579-5860 x 213 to cancel or change your bookings. Changes or cancellations received less than two weeks prior to your scheduled visit will result in your group being invoiced for the full value of your original booking. Cancellations due to inclement weather or states of emergency will be rescheduled. For more information on our cancellation policies, please contact the Gallery at 519-579-5860 x100.

 

Preparing for your Class Visit

How can I prepare my class for our visit to the Gallery?

Ensure your students are ready for their visit to the Gallery by going over what they will see and talk about at the Gallery. Discuss the following:

  • What is an Art Gallery?
  • What will we see there?
  • Review the Gallery rules with your class prior to your visit:
    • Do not touch the art
    • Walk, don't run
    • Pay attention to your guide
    • Stay with your group leader
    • No food or drink in the Gallery
    • Have fun!

 

Teachers are welcome to visit the Gallery prior to the trip to familiarize yourself with our current exhibitions. You can also review the current exhibitions with your students on our website.

How do I prepare my group supervisors for their role during our visit?

The role of group supervisors is to support the students’ learning during their visit. They can do this by following Gallery rules, allowing Gallery staff to lead the programs, taking part in group activities, supervising children and ensuring the group stays safe and together during their visit.

 

Arriving at the Gallery

Where is the bus drop-off point?

There are two bus drop-off points at KWAG. Busses can drive onto Ellen Street and enter the bus loop to drop off at the Ellen Street entrance to Centre In The Square. Alternatively, they can use the temporary parking shoulder on Otto Street to access the Otto Street entrance to Centre In The Square.

Where do I bring my students on arrival?

Have your students line up in their classes in the main entrance lobby between KWAG and Centre In The Square. Our Artist Educators will greet your group here and lead them through the entry doors into KWAG after a brief introduction.

Is the Gallery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Gallery is fully wheelchair accessible.

Is there a place to store bags and coats?

Yes. Once your group has entered the Gallery, our Artist Educator will direct your class to the coat and bag drop-off in the Gallery lobby. Coats and bags are supervised by front desk staff during regular hours.

Can we take photos in the Gallery?

Unless otherwise specified in our exhibition signage, photography is permitted for personal use only.