Frequently Asked Questions

Before your visit 

What information is needed to schedule a program? 

• Refer to our Book a School Program page for information on our programs.  

• Visit our Exhibition page to see what’s on during your desired dates. Please note, we do occasionally have exhibit closures throughout the year that may affect our tours.  

What are the start times? 

• Our onsite programs begin anytime after 9:30 a.m.  

• Art on Wheels outreach program start times are flexible. 

How many students can I bring? 

Each education team member can work with up to 30 students. Our facility can accommodate 3 classes with up to 90 students, not including teachers and adult supervisors. 

How many adult volunteers should I bring? 

• PAMA school programs are delivered by our trained education team. You will have one educator for up to 30 students. The classroom teacher must supervise students at all times along with adult supervisors. 

• We ask that all teachers and adult supervisors actively participate and assist during the programs. 

• We require the following ratios as minimums: 

1. JK/SK = 5 to 1 
2. Grades 1, 2 ,3 = 8 to 1 
3. Grades 4, 5, 6 = 10 to 1 
4. Grades 7, 8 = 15 to 1 
5. High school = 1 adult per group  

 Are full day programs offered? 

Absolutely! You can mix and match a Tour (2 hours) with an Art Studio Workshop (1.5 hours) to build a full day experience. This also includes a 30-minute break for lunch in one of our spaces. 

Will I receive information before my visit? 

• Yes! You will receive a Program Confirmation Letter after your program has been confirmed. Please review all information prior to your visit and share it with other teachers that will be visiting. 

• You will also receive a Teacher Information Package that will help prepare students and volunteers for the visit. It includes more information on the program booked, vocabulary as well as pre and post program activity ideas. 

Can we eat lunch at PAMA? 

• Yes! Let us know upon booking that you require a lunch spot and we will make proper arrangements. Please note, while we strive to be a nut free facility, we are a public space, therefore cannot guarantee. 

• PAMA does not have food or drink items for sale on site. All visitors must bring their own lunches. 

• Food and drinks are not permitted in the Art Gallery or Museum spaces, just the lunchroom. We do have water fountains and bottle refill stations. 

• If a snack break is needed, please let us know during the time of booking so we can accommodate the request.  

How do we dress for a visit? 

Our Studio Art Workshops have the potential to get a little messy. We advise students and volunteers to come prepared to get a little paint in them. Most materials will wash off and all materials are non-toxic. 

Does PAMA offer discounts or subsidies? 

PAMA’s Creative Access Fund helps reduce financial barriers so participants of all ages can engage with art, history, and PAMA’s collections through programs, workshops, events, hands-on activities, and school visits. The fund supports our goal of fostering lifelong connections to art and history and may cover program fees and transportation costs for school groups, including one school bus per visit, subject to available funding. 

How to apply: 

• Refer to PAMA's Creative Access Fund Application 

• Email us your application form and PAMA will contact you once a selection is made. 

Day of your visit 

What will happen in the event of bus cancellation/inclement weather? 

• If busses or schools are cancelled/closed on your program date, the program will be rescheduled at no extra cost. A PAMA staff member will contact you to reschedule the date. 

• This also applies to Art on Wheels outreach program bookings.  

What if I need to cancel or change my program? 

Cancellations, rescheduling and changes to class sizes must be done two weeks prior to visit. Refer to our cancellation policy.  

Where does the bus unload and pick up students? 

• PAMA has a designated “Group Entrance” on Wellington Street East (please do not stop the bus on Main Street or enter the parking lot). 

• We have a bus loading zone right on Wellington street where the bus can unload the group. The bus bay can fit two busses, if needed. The bus cannot park, it is just for unloading and then for pick up at the end of your program. 

• You can then lead the students into the Museum Lobby doors where our educators and front desk staff will greet you. 

What if we arrive late or need to leave early? 

We will do our best to work within the time you have. Our professional educators will adjust your program accordingly. If you do need to leave earlier than your confirmed time, please let us know as soon as you arrive so our team can adjust plans. 

Can we take pictures? 

Photography at PAMA is welcome in the museum, no flash photography. Photography is not permitted in the art gallery. Also, feel free to take pictures while students are making their art during a studio workshop. Recording the PAMA Educators is not permitted. 

After your visit 

How do I pay? 

• As soon as you arrive the educator will start to welcome the students and divide the group (if there are more than 30 students). You will be asked to go to the front desk, provide them with the number of students present (teachers and volunteers are free). 

• You will receive an invoice after your program whether it is at PAMA or outreach. Payment is due within 30 days of receiving the invoice. 

If you have a question that is not found here, please do not hesitate to contact us.