Presented by Barking Gecko Arts, the AWESOME Festival is founded on the belief that creativity is a human right and that every child deserves the opportunity to connect, participate and belong through arts experiences. The Festival’s Access Guide and two new Sensory Nooks are part of an organisation-wide commitment to ensuring every family feels safe, welcome and ready to take part with confidence.
This year, the Festival is partnering with more than 15 community organisations to help families who may face barriers to participation feel informed, supported and genuinely welcome. These partnerships help the Festival reach communities directly, share access information and resources, and better understand what families need to feel confident attending and participating.
At the heart of this work is the 2026 AWESOME Festival Access Guide, which provides families with practical information to help them plan their Festival experience before they arrive.
For 2026, the Sensory Nook is new and available at two Festival locations: Subiaco Arts Centre and the State Theatre Centre of WA.
Each Sensory Nook is a free, self-serve library of sensory tools. Families can borrow whatever helps, from quiet ears to a wobble seat, a fidget, or a weighted friend to hold, for as long as they need it during the day. There's no need to ask or book. Simply return tools to the basket when finished; they're cleaned and ready for the next family. The Sensory Nook is open to anyone, anytime, for any reason.
The 2026 AWESOME Festival Access Guide is now available to download here and includes full details on the Sensory Nook and other access information for families attending this year's Festival.
The initiative has been developed in partnership with Skillbuilders Therapy Products, drawing on more than 30 years' experience supporting children and families through therapy and allied health services. Skillbuilders' Occupational Therapy team helped select the resources for the Sensory Nooks, ensuring they offer practical options for children with a range of sensory and regulation needs.
“Creativity is a human right, and every child and family should be able to come to the AWESOME Festival and feel it was made for them too. Sometimes, simply knowing what to expect or having access to the right sensory support can make the difference between participating and staying home. Our Access Guide, Sensory Nooks, and partnerships with more than 15 community organisations remove those barriers, so families feel safe, confident, and excited to take part. We’re incredibly grateful to Skillbuilders for helping us create a resource that will support AWESOME families for years to come,” said Jenny Simpson, AWESOME Festival Director.
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