Barking Gecko Theatre Company and AWESOME Arts have announced a merger to become Barking Gecko Arts, with a rebrand to launch September 30.
Barking Gecko Theatre Company and AWESOME Arts have announced a merger to become Barking Gecko Arts, with a rebrand to launch September 30.
The new look will be revealed on Barking Gecko platforms later this month and the official merger is expected to formally take place in January 2025.
Barking Gecko Theatre chief executive Ryan Taaffe would lead the newly-formed Barking Gecko Arts in the same role, while AWESOME Arts chief executive and artistic director Jenny Simpson would transition to become the new organisation's festival director and Barking Gecko Theatre artistic director Sam Longley would move across into the same role.
All permanent staff will be retained as the teams combine.
The two arts organisations originally started as one, with Barking Gecko Theatre launching the first AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things in December 1996.
Mr Taaffe said the event’s success resulted in the opportunity to access more funding and ultimately form a new company called AWESOME Arts.
He told Business News that the merger of the two companies was “a homecoming decision”.
“The decision to merge organisations was developed organically and naturally through conversation and discussion,” Mr Taaffe said.
“For nearly three decades, AWESOME Arts and Barking Gecko Theatre worked closely in parallel, bringing meaningful, high-quality arts experiences to kids across Western Australia.
“By bringing our two organisations back together, we will be able to offer even more transformative arts experiences for kids across WA.
“Together we can consolidate our efforts and overheads, amplify our reach, and ultimately have more impact.”
Mr Taaffe said Barking Gecko Theatre and AWESOME Arts have mapped out the process for the merger to ensure a smooth transition.
“The teams, boards and stakeholders are incredibly excited by the merger and resulting new entity,” Mr Taaffe said.
“We have made sure [to] put in plans to deal with any complications that may arise but given the excitement and support around the merger, we think any challenges will be opportunities to map the organisation to evolve with the world around it and to increase opportunities for the kids of WA.
“At the end of the day, we are bringing two organisations with lots of history and lots of activity together, so the impetus is to make sure we get it right."
The arts organisations' shared goals and values would assist with its continued operation within WA's arts sector.
“Our shared values of imagination, quality, impact, the voice of children and accessibility will remain at the heart of Barking Gecko Arts," Mr Taaffe said.
“Jenny Simpson … and I often discussed our challenges and opportunities and our shared goals and desires for the young people of WA it was evident that the organisations had complementary strengths and resources, and a shared vision.”
Arts and Culture Minister David Templeman said the arts merger was a great development for the Western Australian community.
“It’s wonderful to see two much loved organisations come together to inspire even more young people through the arts,” Mr Templeman said.
The upcoming AWESOME International Arts Festival 2024 is expected to go ahead as usual, running from September 24 to October 4.
Mr Taaffe confirmed all other programs currently offered by either organisation would be unaffected by the newly announced merger.
In August, Mr Taaffe was recognised for his contribution to the performing arts sector in WA, winning the People's Pinnacle Award at CircuitWest's 2024 WA Showcase.
