wimmeraunitingcare

Established 1996

October 1996: Awakenings was born as an initiative of the Wimmera Leisure Options Program (now Access for All Abilities), a program of Wimmera UnitingCare. From a three-hour performance involving 40 participants with and without disabilities, this annual event has grown enormously year by year. In 2008, the festival attracted nearly 850 participants and performers with a volunteer base of more than 350 and event attendances of over 11,500. A key Australian event in the disability arts sector, Awakenings is now recognised nationally and internationally. The Festival won the Regional Achievement Award 2008, for Community of the Year.

 

Visionary since inception:

From Horsham and region, metropolitan and regional Victoria, NSW, Queensland, ACT, Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania, performers, artistic directors and carers flock to this disability arts hub. Awakenings, as a visionary leader, has also attracted visitors from the United States, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Swelling available tourist accommodation to bursting point, the festival attracts all levels of performers from grass roots to professional disability arts performers, mainstream performers, fledgling and semi-professional groups of varying abilities in an atmosphere of acceptance and encouragement.

 

Missions and Values:
We value:

Being accepting and inclusive,
Being a regional event
How the community can learn and grow through their experience of the festival
Creating a holistic and personal experience for each individual

 

Festival Dates: 20 - 24 October 2010

 

Find Out More at www.awakeningsfestival.com.au