Acknowledgment of country

Polyglot acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and create, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present. For more than 65,000 years, children and families have created and played here, and we are grateful to make our art on this country too.


May 25 - May 26 2024

Ants at Make it May (NSW)

Ants is an interactive performance which brings children together to explore the landscape around them.

An Ants production photo. Three Polyglot artists in intricate Ant costumes stand in a park, holding giant breadcrumbs. Blue sky, trees and tall buildings are visible in the background. Photo: Theresa Harrison

Presented by Art Gallery of New South Wales

Ants as big as humans work together intently, collecting and placing hundreds of giant bread crumbs, and children are irresistibly drawn closer to find out how they can join in. Gradually a world of meaning unfolds, with children’s movement making lines and patterns, transforming public space and disrupting the everyday. Children choose how they interact with the big insects, becoming ant-like creatures themselves and taking part in their world. This is an enchanting and unusual experience that everyone can enjoy at their own pace.

Join us 10 minutes before each performance to create your own ant antennae.

Audiences who are blind or vision impaired are invited to join us on Saturday 25 May at 1pm for a tactile tour and audio described performance. We will begin with an introduction and an opportunity to make your own ant antennas, as well as touch and handle elements featured in the performance, before the performance starts at 1.30pm.

Venue

Session Times

  • 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm
  • The Art Gallery of New South Wales is open 10am-5pm. Admission is free.

Entrances

  • All public areas inside the North and South buildings can be accessed by ramps and lifts, as well as stairs and elevators. The Entrance Pavilion between the Welcome Plaza and the North Building has a gentle gradient.

Toilets

  • Toilets, including wheelchair-accessible toilets, are located on lower levels 1, 2 and 4 of the North Building.
  • The accessible bathrooms in the North Building on lower level 1 (by the learning studio), are for all genders, as well as the South Building lower level 2 bathrooms.

Changing Places

  • Accredited Changing Places facilities are located on lower level 2 of the South Building and lower level 4 of the North Building. Please ask any Art Gallery staff member or volunteer for assistance to access these facilities.

Wheelchair Access and Mobility Scooters

  • Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for use within the Art Gallery for free. You’ll be asked for some form of ID. Mobility scooters can also be booked in advance. In the North Building, please ask at the welcome hub near the entrance.

Further access information

Ants

  • Ants will take place in the Welcome Plaza – a large open space with a roof. Please check the weather, and bring sunscreen, hats and water bottles.
  • Ants is a universally accessible experience. The performers do not use spoken language – there is no English language barrier.
  • Children and families choose how they engage with the performers and the space, moving around as they like.
  • Ants contains amplified sound that is played through portable speakers.
  • You can come and go from Ants at any time.
  • A visual story to help your family prepare for the experience is available here to view/download.
  • Polyglot Theatre staff are trained in disability and cultural awareness. If you have any questions about Ants, please contact us on 03 9826 3301 or info@polyglot.org.au.

How to prepare

  • When you come to a Polyglot show we recommend you wear comfortable clothing that allows you to enjoy moving. Remember that you have come for an adventure and there are many ways to begin finding your play. You are curious and this space is yours. Just as you might at the beach, do you take your time and dip your toe in to warm up, or do you run and jump right in? The worlds we set up welcome you to take your time and find your own way to your imaginative play; and our performers are there to join you, or play alongside you, and look after these worlds and their inhabitants.
  • Wheelchair-accessible parents and carers rooms are located on lower levels 1, 2 and 4 of the North Building.
  • Water, infants’ bottles and breastfeeding/chestfeeding are welcome, however we do ask that there is no eating in the Ants performance space.
  • The Art Gallery of NSW Gallery Café is located in Lower Level 1 of the South Building. It is open daily from 10am-4pm.
  • The Espresso Bar is located in lower level 2 of the North Building, open daily from 10am-4pm.
  • The Kiosk is located outdoors in the Welcome Plaza, open daily from 9am-4pm.
  • You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks for picnicking in The Domain.

Public transport

  • Bus: route 441 departs from the York Street side of Queen Victoria Building (Stand D) and drops off near the Art Gallery. Returns to Queen Victoria Building, picking up outside the Art Gallery.
  • Train: the closest stations are Martin Place (approx 550m from Art Gallery) and St James (approx 800m from Art Gallery).
  • Taxi and rideshare: drop-off and pick-up zone on Art Gallery Road near the front of the Art Gallery.
  • Bicycle: bike parking is available along Art Gallery Road, outside the North Building.
  • Plan your public transport trip HERE.

Parking

Meter Parking

Domain Car Park

  • Domain Car Park on St Mary’s Road is approx 380m away.
  • Max clearance 1.9m
  • Open 24h Monday-Sunday
  • 1144 car spots
  • Disabled parking available
  • Card and contactless payments available on exit

The Wharf Woolloomooloo Car Park

For more travel information, please visit artgallery.nsw.gov.au/visit/plan-your-visit/getting-here

Come together for a month of creativity and collaboration.
Join us at the Art Gallery of New South Wales during May for an inspiring series of community-minded events that highlight connection and imagination.
You can meet artists and other creators, contribute to one of the growing artworks by Rosie Deacon and Emmanuel Asante, experience performance in thrilling new ways including the premiere of a new commission by Tammi Gissell, and participate in a range of hands-on workshops – no experience required.
All ages and abilities are welcome.

Watch the trailer

Contact

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