Studio Guidelines

Last updated: September 2026

Creativity can be messy. Our expectations aren’t.

Ataris is a space for creativity, curiosity and connection. We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel comfortable, respected and free to create, so we have a few simple expectations that help keep the studio safe and enjoyable for everyone.

These guidelines apply to our regular Young Artist sessions, Teen Creative sessions and other children's programs unless otherwise stated.

Kindness comes first

Everyone deserves to feel welcome here. We expect our young artists to speak to each other respectfully, allow others to create without judgement and be mindful of personal space and boundaries. Different ideas, abilities and creative styles are celebrated at Ataris. There’s no such thing as “mine is better than yours” here.

Respect the artwork

Every artist’s work belongs to them. Please don’t draw, paint, write on, alter or intentionally damage another person’s artwork, even as a joke. The same goes for studio displays, completed artworks and projects that are drying or waiting to be finished.

Respect the space

Ataris is absolutely a place where you’re allowed to make a mess. An intentional one! Materials, equipment, furniture and the studio itself need to be treated with care. Young artists are encouraged to help look after their workspace and clean up after themselves where appropriate.

Language & behaviour

We’re pretty relaxed around here, but behaviour that makes another person feel unsafe, uncomfortable or unable to enjoy their session isn’t okay. This includes ongoing inappropriate language, bullying, deliberately damaging property or artwork, aggressive behaviour, repeated disruption or ignoring safety instructions.

We understand that everyone has difficult moments. Wherever possible, we’ll redirect, offer space and work with the young person to get things back on track. However, safety and the wellbeing of the whole group have to come first.

If something isn’t working

If behaviour continues after redirection or becomes unsafe or significantly disruptive, a parent or guardian may be contacted and asked to collect their child early. If there are ongoing concerns, we’ll have a conversation with the parent or guardian about whether the current session or group environment is the right fit.

Ataris reserves the right to discontinue a young person’s participation where necessary to protect the safety, wellbeing or experience of others in the studio.

Parents & guardians

Ataris sessions are facilitated creative experiences rather than childcare. Parents and guardians are responsible for providing accurate information about anything we reasonably need to know to support their child during their time at the studio.

For sessions that allow drop-off, parents/guardians must remain contactable and available to collect their child if required.

If you feel there’s something I should know before a session, please tell me. The more information I have, the better I can support your young artist.

Drop-off & collection

Please arrive and collect your young artist as close to the scheduled session times as possible. Children remain the responsibility of their parent or guardian before their session begins and once their session has finished. If someone different will be collecting your child, please let us know.

Allergies, food & first aid

Parents and guardians are responsible for advising Ataris of allergies, medical considerations or other relevant information before their child attends.

Basic first aid may be provided where necessary in accordance with the permissions supplied by the parent or guardian.

Food or snacks may occasionally be present during particular sessions or events, so please make sure allergy information is kept up to date.

Photos & creative moments

We LOVE sharing what happens inside the studio, but permission matters. Photos or videos used by Ataris for social media, website or promotional purposes will be managed according to the photo consent provided by the parent or guardian. A child can still participate if photo consent isn't given.

And finally...

Creativity over perfection. Kindness always. Ataris isn't about creating perfect artwork. It's about experimenting, learning, making mistakes, changing your mind, getting paint on your hands and discovering what you're capable of when you're given the space to create.

Help us keep that space a good one.