Why it works

Installation art gives kids agency. It invites decision-making, teamwork, and play on a scale that feels important! It teaches them to share space, to notice how things connect, and to see beauty in impermanence. They learn that art can be built, added to, changed, and taken down, and that nothing needs to stay perfect to have meaning.

Kids understand this kind of art straight away. Give them space and they’ll fill it with movement, invention and joy.

What we come back to again and again

At Smudge, our installations are always changing, but a few ideas never fail us.

• We love hanging things that can be painted or sprayed. Paper lanterns, fabric, curtains, anything that moves with a brushstroke or breeze! It turns painting into something kinetic and full-body.

• Metal stands are our secret weapon for holding up large cardboard shapes. The kind you find at the movies for velvet ropes work perfectly. I sourced ours from our local Reverse Art Truck, so always keep your eyes peeled for unexpected treasures.

• A simple curtain rod is magic for hanging cord, loops, and fabric. We’re lucky to have a wooden bulkhead that makes it easy to throw a cord over and hang things from above.

• And always, always cardboard. Every shape, every size, every rescued piece. It’s sculptural gold.

• A large canvas drop sheet is another favourite. The plastic-backed kind works best and means you can paint directly onto the floor without worrying about leaks. We love the Monarch ones, but Dulux and other hardware brands have great options too.

Try it in your own space

Start with a wall, a floor, a corner…anywhere you can tape, hang, or build! Offer large brushes, cardboard, fabric, recycled materials, and let it grow. Add light or sound. Photograph the changes as they happen. The key is time and collaboration. Leave it up for a few days and let it evolve.

Why it matters

Installation art reminds us that creativity doesn’t have to fit inside a frame. It’s movement, connection, and curiosity brought to life.