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 run programs assisting kids to feel confident and believe in themselves, especially when they would otherwise miss-out.
Creative Access Program: gives monetary grants that allow children to sign up for cultural, artistic, musical and educational activities.
artsbus Program: takes arts to kids when they lack access.
AKC Do Murals: involves kids in designing large-scale artworks that transform public spaces—especially in new social housing developments—changing how they see art, community, and the places they call home.
AKC in School: supports students who are disengaged from learning by using art-based therapeutic activities. Our programs help build confidence, connection, and emotional well-being through creative expression.
Y(Our)Fest: AKC’s youth-led arts festival that celebrates creativity, culture, and community. It gives young people a platform to showcase their talents, share their voices, and lead the way in shaping inclusive, vibrant events.
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
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, visual arts and arts management, having studied at the Victorian College of the Arts, and more recently completing a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact. For many years, her Melbourne gallery, Brightspace, hosted the annual Artists for Kids Culture Art Auction, building a strong connection with the organisation and its work. Kylie joined the AKC Committee in 2015, later becoming a Board member, before moving into her current role as CEO. She brings extensive experience across the arts, creative industries and community sector, along with a longstanding commitment to creating opportunities for children and young people through the arts.
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, over 30 years ago.
Tom Ward
Director
Tom Ward has been an integral part of AKC for the past five years. As a Board member, Tom brings extensive experience in strategy, creativity and design thinking, developed through his career in the advertising and communications industry, including his time at Cummins & Partners. More recently, Tom has embarked on a new chapter, moving into secondary education, bringing his creative thinking and experience to the classroom. His insight, strategic approach and commitment to young people continue to make him a valued part of the AKC Board.
Felicity Young
Dircector
Felicity Young is the founder and Director of Loco Group, a Melbourne-based experiential marketing and events agency established in 2003. With a strong background in communications, events and brand engagement, Felicity has built Loco into a creative agency known for bringing brands to life through memorable activations, community engagement and large-scale events.
.Piyush Thakrar is the AKC Treasurer.
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 - Bianca Easton - Penny Everett – Catalina Leon-Londono – Ché McMahon – Sarah Murphy – Gen Townsend – Ros Winkler
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