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Barking Gecko Arts

@barkinggeckoarts

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🎭 Award-winning arts experiences for kids. Where imagination takes centre stage and creativity knows no bounds!

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At the recent @awesomeartsfestival, 22 young people sat down with an artist and told us what creativity means to them. 80% said it’s very important. Only about half see themselves as creative.

So we’re asking them to help shape what we make next.

Kids Rule (ages 8–12) and the Young Makers Collective (ages 13–18) are two new councils that will meet five times in 2027 at Subiaco Arts Centre. They're free, artist-led, and open to kids from anywhere in WA. No experience needed, and we especially want to hear from kids who aren’t sure the arts are for them.

Applications are open through Term 4. More information on our website. by @barkinggeckoarts

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a day ago

Congratulations, Dr Tony Chong!

Our board member and former Chair, Tony Chong, has received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Murdoch University. This is the University's highest honour.

Tony attended Murdoch thirty-six years ago as a first-generation migrant studying law and commerce. He has now been recognised for his service in governance, engagement, and philanthropy. His efforts include scholarships, prizes, and an endowed fund that support students who might not otherwise have access to higher education.

Speaking to this year’s graduates, he said Murdoch gave him a voice, and he chose to “lend that voice for those who do not have one.”

That’s the Tony we know at Barking Gecko. He brings this same generosity to our board and shares our belief that every child deserves creativity, connection, and belonging.

You truly deserve this, Tony. Congratulations from all of us ✨ by @barkinggeckoarts

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2 days ago

We're coming to Albany!

Join us at @albanyentertainment on Saturday 24 October, 10 am - 3 pm. Enjoy FREE storytelling, hands-on crafts, a pop-up performance, and creative adventures for the whole family.

While you're there, check out the AWESOME Kids Market, where local young makers sell their own handmade treasures.

Make a day of it with "The Song Catchers", presented by @westaustralianopera and @breaksea_org at 11 am. Recommended for ages 8+, tickets from $20 and available from the @artsculturetrust_ website.

All kids and their grown-ups welcome. We hope to see you there 😎 by @barkinggeckoarts

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3 days ago

Auditions for our 2027 production of The Mystery of Ms J are now open.

Ms J, the most beloved teacher at St Rhubarb’s School for Ratbags and Rebels, has disappeared. In this fast-paced, interactive mystery, written by @scottmcardleartist and directed by Sam Longley, the audience are the detectives, and their votes determine how the story unfolds.

We’re seeking four Perth-based performers with strong comic timing, robust character and physical skills, and a playful approach to performing for young audiences. Experience in theatre for young audiences, improvisation, or interactive performance is a bonus.

▶︎ Auditions: 2 and 3 November 2026, Subiaco Arts Centre
▶︎ Rehearsals from 30 March 2027, then a metro and regional WA tour from May to June
▶︎ Paid professional engagement
▶︎ No self-tapes
▶︎ Must be at least 18 years old

We strongly encourage performers of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. Full details on barkinggecko.com.au by @barkinggeckoarts

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4 days ago

Cubby construction is under way at our Beverley Festival Hub. Artists Julianna Thomas and Matt Aitken are on site all week at @beverleystationarts helping kids build whatever they can dream up.

In the Avon Valley, or passing through? Drop by anytime between 10 am and 2 pm. It's free for ages 4 to 12 and on until this Friday, 9 October. by @barkinggeckoarts

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11 days ago

School holiday road trip, anyone? If you haven't had enough Festival fun in Perth, Bunbury is only two hours down the road 🚗

The Bunbury Festival Hub is at @brecbunbury on 7 and 8 October, 10 am to 3 pm each day. Come along for Experts Radio Lab by @alicemarycooper , Madame Lark, the Kids Makers Market, and more, plus free performances of Walk of the Whales by @barkinggeckoarts

Full details at bunburyentertainment.com by @barkinggeckoarts

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11 days ago

Tomorrow might be the last day of @awesomeartsfestival but there's still PLENTY to see and do!

Stellarphant is running at @statetheatrecentre while Walk of the Whales is playing at @subiacoartscentre They're both just $10 a ticket, which is a STEAL.

And there are tons of free events between the two venues too. My favourites were Uptown Brown in Subiaco and The Zebras in Perth. Kiddo loved @yipyipcircus tent in the State Theatre Centre Courtyard and the Uptown Sound's upcycling project in Subiaco Arts Centre. Hubby LOVED the markets... (no, not really because there were so many good stalls that Kiddo drained his bank account 😅)

And don't forget @chichogelato Galaxy Pop! Available in Perth and Subiaco... so no excuses!

Don't delay, tomorrow is the last day to get your AWESOME on!

#perth #perthhappenings #invited by @barkinggeckoarts

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15 days ago

✨ Plan your final day at the AWESOME Festival ✨

Here's what's happening tomorrow, Saturday 3 October, at the @statetheatrecentre @statelibrarywa @wamuseum @yagansquare and @subiacoartscentre

‼️ Program update. Dr Holly Bradley can no longer join us for Clay Meelyu, so author and poet @renaehaywardauthor will present a story time at 11 am at the State Library of WA for ages 3+. Existing bookings for Clay Meelyu remain valid, or you can request a refund by emailing ticketing@barkinggecko.com.au.

Also, only a few tickets left for Hermit by @simonedejongcompany from the Netherlands, a gentle show about a mini house for ages 2 to 6. Dance with The Zebras at Yagan Square, join Manuao TeAotonga for @walkenbook Story Time at the Love Makes a Family Hub at Subiaco Arts Centre, and close the Bean Bag Proms concert series with Indian Rhythms by @pavanharimusic

It's your last chance to see Stellarphant and Walk of the Whales, so book now to avoid missing out.

More info and bookings at awesomearts.com by @barkinggeckoarts

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15 days ago

A small change to the program.

Dr Holly Bradley can no longer join us for Clay Meelyu tomorrow, Saturday 3 October. We're sending her our best and hope to welcome her back to AWESOME another time.

In her place, WA author and poet @renaehaywardauthor will present a story time for ages 3+ at 11 am at the @statelibrarywa. Renae will read from her books and poetry, including her new picture book "Splish Splash Splosh!", and share how her stories come about. Then it's over to the kids to ask questions and get creative with colours, words, and play. Renae will shape the session to suit the kids in the room.

Existing bookings for Clay Meelyu remain valid. If you'd prefer a refund or have questions about your booking, email us at ticketing@barkinggecko.com.au.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased at bit.ly/splish-splash-splosh

Thank you to Renae for stepping in at short notice ✨ by @barkinggeckoarts

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15 days ago

Did you know that @awesomeartsfestival has a hub in Subiaco?

The hub at @subiacoartscentre has a lovely community vibe - there's a massive lawn with a wide variety of FREE activities to enjoy, live music from @uptownbrown_official and market stalls from our new generation of young entrepreneurs.

There are also some activities inside the building, should the pesky rainclouds start hovering overhead 🌦

You could easily spend the day there, here's my suggested itinerary:

🌻 10AM 🌻

Check out the free activities in the Main Lawn and in the building too.

🐋 11AM 🐋

Walk of the Whales in the Main Auditorium.

🥐 12PM 🥪

Lunch on lawn (picnic or grab a bite from @crumbs_patisserie_ ) while enjoying music by Uptown Brown.

🛍 1PM - 3PM 🤸🏻‍♂️

Look through the market stalls and hit up the activities you missed out on in the morning. Don't forget to grab a Galaxy Pop from @chichogelato pop up shop!

🎉 BONUS TIPS 🎉

We loved @mud_buddies_perth Play in Process set up with multiple play areas... but would probably recommend going in the afternoon in case they get a bit too messy! Bring a spare set of clothes!

Parking is limited so aim to get there early. There's a nature playground within walking distance if you have time up your sleeve before the Festival begins.

AWESOME Festival runs until Saturday 3rd October. The hub is open from 10am - 3pm.

Thank you for having us, @barkinggeckoarts

#invited #perth #perthfamilies taken in Subiaco Arts Centre by @barkinggeckoarts

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16 days ago

Snuggleplay is run by @sensoriumtheatre It’s designed for babies aged 6-15 months, and is a beautiful sensory session where babies are taken on a journey across the land, in the sky, under the sea and into the sky through music, movement and sensory props.

From the cosy pod seating and gorgeous dim lighting to change tables in the room this session is thoughtfully designed. Your baby will love it.

Snuggleplay is on until 3rd October, check it out at the @statetheatrecentre

Head to @awesomeartsfestival for more information. by @barkinggeckoarts

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17 days ago

🌈2026 AWESOME Festival - Day 2🎭

There is so much to do at the @awesomeartsfestival that we had to come back for more! @awesomeartsfestival is running from the 29th Sept - 3rd Oct.

Here’s a few more things that we checked out on day 2:

🏠Hermit - a silly, funny performance that had the little ones completely captivated and asking questions like, “What’s in the box?” And “Who’s in the box?”

🛶Boat of faith - catch this free interactive performance at Yagan Square. Inspired by the poetry and art of Michael Leunig. Following Mr Curly and the angel around Yagan Square was such a fun experience.

🦓The Zebras - This was Abby’s favourite! Kids get to play games with the zebras and their tails as they clop through Yagan Square.

🧱Imagination Playground - located on the top floor of @statetheatrecentre . You will find foam shapes of all sizes for kids to play with and create anything from their imagination. This kept my girls entertained for ages.

🐶 @jamesfoleybooks Amazing Astro Animals portraits - find out more about animals that have travelled to space by scanning the QR code. Located on the wall next to the imagination playground.

Head to @awesomeartsfestival page to find out what other activities and shows are on.

#invited #perth #perthhappenings taken in Perth, Western Australia by @barkinggeckoarts

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17 days ago