Powering Imaginations: Barking Gecko Arts and Horizon Power Partner to Bring Theatre to Regional WA
Barking Gecko Arts and Horizon Power have joined forces in a two-year partnership to bring world-class theatre productions and creative learning programs to children across regional Western Australia.
The "Powering Imaginations" initiative will reach Exmouth, Karratha, and Esperance communities in 2025-2026.
The $100,000 partnership from Horizon Power, delivered on behalf of the WA State Government, will contribute to the cultural vibrancy of regional communities while supporting children's well-being, improving mental health, and building resilience through meaningful engagement with the arts.
"When children experience live theatre, it fosters creativity and empathy, improves emotional intelligence, and brings bucketloads of joy," said Ryan Taaffe, Chief Executive Officer at Barking Gecko Arts. "Thanks to Horizon Power's support, we can bring these transformative experiences directly to regional communities."
In 2025, the regional touring program will include two powerful productions. "Hoods," written by Angela Betzien, is a gritty suburban tale exploring themes of poverty and family solidarity. Recommended for secondary students in Years 9-12, the production will tour the Red Earth Arts Precinct in Karratha on 19 June and Esperance Civic Centre on 25 June, providing thought-provoking theatre designed for teenage audiences.
Later in the year, "Reasons to Stay Inside" by Katy Warner will tour the Red Earth Arts Precinct in Karratha and the Ningaloo Centre in Exmouth. This heartwarming production, recommended for primary students in Years 3-6, explores themes of friendship, anxiety, and the power of imagination, sharing important messages about mental health and resilience with young audiences in regional communities. In Karratha, performances will be held on 30 and 31 October and in Exmouth on 5 November.
Over the two-year term, Barking Gecko anticipates the touring program will reach over 2,000 children and their families while employing 25 regional artists and arts workers, creating cultural and economic benefits for these communities.
The West Australian Government, through Horizon Power's Community Partnerships Program, provides $1.1 million each financial year to community initiatives and events that positively impact remote and regional communities.
Horizon Power’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Unwin, said the regional energy provider was committed to supporting regional and remote communities and proud of the strong relationships it has with its community partners.
“It’s fantastic that Barking Gecko can continue to expand their program across regional WA, so that more students have the chance to experience the excitement of their live theatre shows. We are proud to support this initiative and work together to bring the arts to an ever-increasing audience across the regions. We hope exposure to these performances will encourage creativity and foster a meaningful connection with the arts,” she said.
The partnership also responds to findings highlighting the importance of arts and culture in enhancing regional liveability and the need for age-appropriate recreational programs that facilitate social interaction among young people in regional areas.
For more details about specific performance dates and times, please reach out to Barking Gecko Arts at gecko@barkinggecko.com.au or check with your local venues.
