Children discover Yayoi Kusama through collaboration ABN AMRO and Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

On 11 September, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam opened a major retrospective of the work of Yayoi Kusama, one of the most influential artists of our time. As the exhibition’s principal partner, ABN AMRO is committed to making art and culture more accessible to children for whom visiting a museum is not a given. Over the coming months, children will be introduced to the world of Yayoi Kusama in a variety of ways: through specially developed educational materials for primary schools, during the Stedelijk KIDS Festival in the autumn half-term holidays, and through school visits to the exhibition.

Making Art Accessible for Every Child

For many children in the Netherlands, visiting a museum is not something that can be taken for granted. Data from the Boekman Foundation shows that participation in cultural activities remains strongly linked to parents’ income and educational background. As a result, children begin their schooling with different levels of what might be called “cultural capital”. Yet experiences with art and creativity can play an important role in a child’s overall development, helping to build self-confidence, spark imagination and broaden their perspective on the world.

As a partner of several museums across the Netherlands, as well as organisations such as the Youth Fund for Sport & Culture (Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur), ABN AMRO aims to contribute to making art and culture more accessible, both inside and outside museum walls.

Sander Bestevaar, Head of Partnerships, Events & Foundations at ABN AMRO, said:“ABN AMRO is committed to creating equal opportunities for everyone who wants to move forward in life. That also applies to our role as principal partner of the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum. What matters is who ultimately walks through the doors and the opportunities we give children to explore, create and develop their talents.

The experiences and discoveries you have as a child shape the way you see the world later in life, but they also influence what you discover about yourself and what you believe you can achieve. These experiences can foster qualities that stay with a child for life, such as confidence and curiosity. Together with our partners, we are committed to giving this experience to as many children as possible, especially those for whom engaging with art and culture is not something they can take for granted.”

From the Classroom to the Museum

To introduce primary school pupils across the Netherlands to the work of Yayoi Kusama, specially developed digital educational resources have been created. These resources allow teachers to explore the artist’s imaginative world, distinctive forms and artistic techniques directly in the classroom.

During the autumn half-term holidays, the museum will host the Stedelijk KIDS Festival, where children can discover what it is like to be an artist through a series of workshops. All artworks created during the festival will be displayed on a special art wall in the museum’s ABN AMRO Gallery. Through one of the bank’s partners, the Youth Fund for Sport & Culture, dozens of families for whom financial barriers make museum visits less accessible will also be invited to attend and take part in the festival.

In addition, schools connected to the Jeugdeducatiefonds (Youth Education Fund) will be invited to visit the museum and participate in dedicated workshops organised by the ABN AMRO Foundation. These visits will give pupils the opportunity to experience Yayoi Kusama’s art at first hand, use their imagination and discover their talents in a group setting.

Space to Look, Create and Discover

For the Stedelijk Museum, the programme aligns with its ambition to make art accessible to a wide audience. Yayoi Kusama’s colourful and imaginative universe offers the perfect introduction for younger visitors to both the museum and the world of art.

Emma Harjadi Herman, Manager of Education & Inclusion at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, said:“Yayoi Kusama’s work captures the imagination and resonates with visitors of all generations. With its colours, mirrors and dots, it immediately challenges people to see things differently and to get involved themselves. Art in a museum is not about standing still and listening; it is about wonder, participation and discovery. It is wonderful that we can share that experience with so many children.”

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Additional statement

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Yayoi Kusama. Through her unique imagination, pioneering artistic vision and extraordinary dedication, she inspired generations of people around the world and left a lasting mark on contemporary art. This major retrospective exhibition, on view from 11 September, stands as a fitting tribute to one of the most influential artists of our time. We are grateful to contribute to this exhibition.