Culture Dose for Kids: A Convergent Parallel Mixed-methods Evaluation of a Gallery-based Programme for Childhood Anxiety in New South Wales, Australia

This study evaluates an eight-week gallery-based art programme designed to reduce anxiety in children aged 9–12 years. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, we evaluated Culture Dose for Kids, a structured community-based art programme delivered in public galleries. Fifty-one parent-child dyads participated across three sites in New South Wales, Australia, during 2023. Child anxiety was assessed with the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale, parent version, and caregiver well-being with the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Qualitative data comprised semi-structured interviews with 30 parents and 43 anonymous written evaluations. Quantitative analyses indicated a statistically significant reduction in anxiety among children in the intervention group compared with a waitlist control group at programme completion (β = −3.1, SE = 1.3, p = .016). Qualitative findings revealed that shared artmaking and art-viewing supported emotional expression, strengthened parent–child relationships, and promoted emotional regulation in safe, non-judgemental environments. These processes can be understood through psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural and developmental perspectives that commonly inform social work with children and families. Findings suggest that arts-based, community-located programmes may offer an accessible and developmentally appropriate early intervention for childhood anxiety, particularly for families who face barriers to traditional clinical services. The study contributes practice-relevant evidence supporting preventive, relational and strengths-based approaches within child and adolescent social work.