Who made it happen
Designed and delivered by HoLD Art Collective — Stephanie Jefferies and Sarah Marsh, in collaboration with Tate Modern teams.
What was needed
During the February half-term, Tate Modern wanted to create a family-focused experience that was suitable for very young children and distinct from traditional exhibition formats. The intervention needed to work at scale within a high-footfall gallery, remain calming rather than overstimulating, and support rest, play and embodied exploration.
Clear communication around audience and age range was essential, alongside a desire to attract families who would visit Tate Modern specifically for a participatory experience.
What we did
The Joy of Feeling transformed the South Tank into a calm, immersive play environment designed by HoLD Art Collective (Stephanie Jefferies and Sarah Marsh). Using joyful colour, soft materials and a dreamy soundscape, the installation invited families to explore movement and touch through weighted, tactile forms inspired by Dorothea Tanning’s sculptures.
Designed for open-ended, sensory play, the experience allowed children to explore independently while adults observed or joined in, supporting early years engagement with art through feeling and physical interaction rather than interpretation.
Playful™ impact
The Joy of Feeling successfully attracted families who came to Tate Modern specifically for the event, functioning as a clear destination experience. Average dwell time was the longest of all family events across the year, with feedback consistently highlighting the calm, spacious and non-crowded atmosphere.
The project contributed to positive perceptions of Tate Modern as friendly, experimental and family-oriented, helping children develop confidence and a sense of ownership within gallery environments and supporting future cultural participation.
Gallery
