Senior Manager Grants Development, Joanna Josephs, Minister of Creative Industries, Hon. Simone McGurk MLA, AWESOME International Arts Children’s Festival Director, Jenny Simpson.
$486,000 Lotterywest grant supports expanded regional program and improved accessibility for WA families
Lotterywest has awarded a $486,000 grant to Barking Gecko Arts to deliver the 2025 AWESOME International Arts Children’s Festival for Bright Young Things, enabling the Festival to expand its reach and enhance accessibility for children and families across Western Australia.
The grant supports the development of four new regional and outer metropolitan Festival Hubs in Beverley, Kwinana, Hopetoun and Esperance, alongside a significant increase in free programming. With 80% of the 2025 program offered at no cost, the Festival is removing financial and geographic barriers to arts participation, particularly for communities experiencing economic hardship and social isolation.
“The support from Lotterywest allows us to deliver on our mission of providing ever-expanding opportunities for Western Australia’s children to actively engage with the arts,” said Jenny Simpson, Festival Director.
“In challenging times, it’s more important than ever to ensure the arts remain accessible to all families, regardless of their circumstances or location. We’re proud to present bold, inclusive and imaginative experiences that spark creativity and connection for young people and their families right across the state.”
Lotterywest CEO Colin Smith said Lotterywest is proud to support Barking Gecko Arts to deliver their festival to families across Western Australia.
“A Lotterywest grant of $486,000 will help ensure the 2025 AWESOME Festival is more accessible and inclusive for communities right across the State,” Mr Smith said.
“It’s fantastic that children across the State will have the opportunity to experience creativity, culture, and connection through the arts.”
Running from September 20 to October 10, 2025, the Festival will feature a vibrant mix of theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and creative workshops for children aged 0–12 and their families. Program highlights include:
- Aliwah Bardinar! A musical celebration of Noongar culture and creation by Breaksea
- The premiere of Barking Gecko Arts’ new production, Reasons to Stay Inside
- Free ballet workshops with West Australian Ballet
- Street theatre, storytelling, visual arts, markets, and hands-on creative activities
The regional Festival Hubs will feature similar but scaled programming across theatre, street performance, literature, textile arts and music creation, with a strong emphasis on local engagement and creative participation. Activities will range from storytelling and textile workshops to innovative music sessions focused on songwriting, filmmaking, looping and beatboxing.
The 2025 AWESOME Festival is presented in collaboration with local partners, including Koorliny Arts Centre, Beverley Station Arts, Esperance Civic Centre, and RAVE About Arts, ensuring each hub reflects and celebrates its local community.
This major initiative aims to reach over 100,000 Western Australians, reinforcing the AWESOME Festival’s commitment to nurturing creativity, fostering connection and championing the right of every child to experience the transformative power of the arts.
