Kids Rule: Barking Gecko Arts hands children and young people a real say in what it makes next

Barking Gecko Arts has launched two new councils, giving children and young people a direct voice in its work. From 2027, Kids Rule and the Young Makers Collective will meet five times a year at Subiaco Arts Centre, participate in artist-led workshops, and help shape the company’s future.

The councils mark a new chapter for Barking Gecko Arts as a creative company. Its work will no longer be made just for children and young people. It will be made with them.

“At Barking Gecko Arts, we spend a lot of time thinking about children and young people. We make things for you. We create experiences for you. We build festivals for you,” said Barking Gecko Arts CEO Ryan Taaffe. “But there is an important question beneath all of that: how much do we make with you?”

Designed by kids, for kids

The program was shaped by the young people it was designed for. At the recent AWESOME Festival, Barking Gecko Arts ran two “What If” workshops: one for children aged 8–12 and another for young people aged 13 and over. Throughout the day, 22 participants explored the festival, saw a show, and then sat down with an artist to create and share their ideas. They were asked how creativity shows up in their lives, what makes them feel welcome and included, and what stops kids from getting creative. What they said was striking:

• 80% do something creative more than once a week
• 80% said creativity is completely important to them
• 70% wish they could do even more creative things
• Only about half see themselves as creative.

Older participants said there aren’t enough creative spaces for young people in Perth. They want a place to belong, learn new skills, build confidence, and meet like-minded people.

“Art is my favourite thing to do; it’s like telling my words through art,” one participant said. Another described creativity: “Creativity is a thing that makes stuff happen.”

The younger group even chose their council's name: Kids Rule.

Launched at the AWESOME Festival

Ryan Taaffe launched Kids Rule and the Young Makers Collective for families at the AWESOME Festival on Friday 2 October 2026, with applications opening that day. The Barking Gecko team shared what the workshop participants had told them and invited children and young people to join.

Both councils will meet every second month in 2027, either after school or on weekends. Kids Rule meets in March, May, July, September and November for sessions of about two to three hours. The Young Makers Collective meets in February, April, June, August and October for sessions of around three hours, with food provided.

Each session opens with a hands-on workshop led by an artist, followed by a relaxed chat with the Barking Gecko team. Members will also receive invitations to shows and events, provide quick feedback after each one, and come together for a joint summit. The councils will advise the CEO and Chair, giving children and young people a direct line to the company’s leadership. Kids Rule members will deliver “The Verdict” on every event they attend.

Participation is free, snacks are provided, and friends are welcome.

Applications now open

Applications are open throughout Term 4 at barkinggecko.com.au/whats-on/youth-council. Children aged 8–12 can apply for Kids Rule, and young people aged 13–18 can apply for the Young Makers Collective, from anywhere in WA.

No experience is required. Applicants don’t need to be artists or performers, nor have they seen a Barking Gecko show. The company especially wants to hear from kids who aren’t sure “the arts” is for them.

“Of course, we want the kid who loves creativity, but we also want the kid who has never thought of themselves as creative,” Mr Taaffe said. “We want to hear from the people standing outside the door, too. And sometimes, we want you to tell us that the door itself needs to move.” The application is designed to be easy and accessible:

• Applicants answer one to three questions, such as “What helps you feel included in a group?”
• They can respond however suits them: in writing, a drawing, a voice note, or a video.
• A parent or carer completes a short section at the end.
• Families can flag any support needs, such as transport, access needs or a support person.

We will notify applicants of the outcome by Wednesday 16 December 2026. The Young Makers Collective begins in February 2027, and Kids Rule in March 2027.

All Barking Gecko staff hold Working With Children Checks and are trained in child safety. Parents and carers are welcome at every session.

Free online information session

Families can learn more at a free online information session on Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 4 pm. The session is open to parents, carers and kids, and covers how the councils operate and how to apply. You can register on the Barking Gecko Arts website here.

Why it matters

“Only about half of kids in workshops described themselves as creative. And I think there is something incredibly important about that gap,” Mr Taaffe said. “Creativity isn’t something that belongs only to the people who can draw beautifully, dance, act, or play an instrument.”

“Children are the experts in being children right now. Young people are the experts in being young people right now. One of our commitments is very simple: if we ask, we have to listen.”

After each session, members will hear back about what they said, what Barking Gecko Arts will do about it, and what it can’t do yet and why.

“Kids Rule and the Young Makers Collective aren’t about preparing you to have a voice one day. You already have one,” Mr Taaffe said. “Our responsibility is to ensure there are places where it is heard.”