Wakakirri’s new National Raising Awareness Award

Wakakirri is Australia’s Largest Performing Arts Event for schools. Each year, hundreds of students across Australia create Story-Dances for Wakakirri that reflect their thoughts, ideas and aspirations.

With separate events for Primary, Secondary, Dance schools and schools in remote areas, the Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival has provided an accessible opportunity for Australian schools to perform in professional theatres and share their stories for over 29 years.

Since 2018, Muffin Break has been a major partner of Wakakirri, supporting the idea that involvement in the arts has wide ranging benefits for young people, both in and out of the classroom.

However, schools from disadvantaged communities, which arguably have the most to gain from arts opportunities, often have barriers to access. With the support of Muffin Break, the Wakakirri Donation Program helps schools from low socio-economic areas to participate in the performing arts.

In 2021, Muffin Break will be presenting a new award, the National Raising Awareness Award, recognizing a school for their Wakakirri Story-Dance and their community work to effectively raise awareness about an important community issue.

Natalie Brennan, General Manager of Muffin Break says, “We are honoured to continue supporting our local schools and communities across the country and to present the National Raising Awarenes Award in 2021. We are firm believers in raising awareness of community issues and supporting schools to do so.”

“Great stories inspire change. A Wakakirri Story-Dance allows students to share their points of view and raise community awareness about the issues they are most passionate about, resulting in a feeling of empowerment to create real change. We are thrilled to be launching the National Raising Awareness Award with Muffin Break which recognises the efforts of schools that excel in this area,” Adam Loxley, Wakakirri Festival Director adds.