How do you encourage a child's interest in art

A. Making the jump from a child's interest in drawing and painting to developing a real interest in art has not traditionally been the easiest of tasks. The best way to view art is to see the real thing, and that usually means visiting art galleries.

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Until recently art galleries were often drab or intimidating places - or both - full of works displayed in a manner guaranteed to turn anyone off. Unreadable and dull captions, unsympathetic lighting - either too dim or too bright - obscuring objects behind glass, placing objects on plinths or hanging them at inappropriate heights on the wall were often the order of the day. The only visible staff would often be bored, underpaid security guards with little or no knowledge of the exhibits, while the curatorial staff would be hidden in a back room as far away from the public as possible. Of course, not every gallery or museum was like this, but art seemed rarefied and scholarly, not accessible and entertaining.

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Q. Art isn't necessarily about entertainment, is it
A. No, but it is about communication. Making the environment and the manner in which art is displayed more welcoming can only encourage the sceptical - adults as well as children - to consider entering a gallery or a museum.

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Q. What has changed
A. All galleries of any size - and many smaller ones - now have education programmes, which will include study days for school children and students. Experts talk about the work on display and, particularly with children's parties, try to give it some contemporary relevance. If living artists are involved, then they may well put in an appearance.

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Exhibitions are much more designed now: it is no longer enough just to hang paintings on the wall. Some might consider that this detracts from the work on show.�Indeed, some galleries, such as the Saatchi Gallery in London, put work in a neutral space - but an interesting display is more likely to make visitors more comfortable and, therefore, more open to the experience.

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The obvious alternative to viewing work in a gallery is to find a reproduction. Colour in both printed and electronic media is much more lifelike than it once was. However, while this can be a great introduction, it's no substitute for the real thing.

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Q. What is the best way to introduce a child to art and art galleries
A. Pick an exhibition that you think they might be interested in. Anything interactive is always a good start or anything relating somehow to other interests the child may have. Ring galleries to see whether the exhibition on show is one that is recommended for children and consider sending your child on a study day, if an education programme is running.

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By Simon Smith