An Art Museum is a place of images and ideas where diverse views are put across. It can be an exciting place for young people to learn and experience different ways of looking at the world but adult guidance is needed for young visitors. The works the NGJ exhibits may awe, illuminate, entertain, challenge, unsettle, confound, and, at times, offend and how a work of art is perceived may vary significantly depending on visitors’ background and world view. At times works of art may contain sexual, violent or otherwise disturbing content that may not be suitable for children, at least not without adult guidance.
At the NGJ we are committed to alerting our viewers when there is work of this nature in the galleries so you can make informed choices about what you and the children in your care see. Exhibitions with such work have notices warning patrons of potentially disturbing content and the choice on whether and how to allow children in your care to view the exhibition is yours.
Even when there is no warning of explicit content, adult supervision is still required when children are visiting the NGJ, as is the case in almost all art museums worldwide. There is a longstanding tradition of the nude in fine art and other works of art may run counter to your tastes, sensibilities or religious beliefs. Many of Jamaica’s most celebrated artists have done work that at times has been considered controversial. If you have any concerns about the nature of the work in the NGJ, its suitability for children or how to approach it, please ask to see a member of our Education Department who will be happy to offer guidance.
The NGJ is committed to both our patrons and the principle of artistic freedom. To exhibit a work of art is not to endorse the work or the vision, ideas, and opinions of the artist. It is to uphold the right of all to express and experience diverse visions and views. We hope you will view the work in this institution with an open mind and as an opportunity learn, discuss and enjoy.
National Gallery of Jamaica 