Award-winning artists, immersive experiences and hands-on creativity will transform Ulumbarra Theatre into Australia’s most playful festival for kids when ‘The Creativerse’ returns to Bendigo this October.
Children won’t just watch the action they’ll become the artists, inventors, performers and storytellers.
Following a successful inaugural festival in 2025, Arena Theatre Company’s annual celebration of art, technology and play returns to the Ulumbarra Theatre on Saturday October 3, transforming the venue into an immersive world where creativity takes centre stage and children aged 3 to 12 (and their grown-ups) are invited to help shape the experience.
Arena’s CEO Debra Allanson said The Creativerse is built on the belief that children experience art most powerfully when they are invited to become part of it.
“Children are naturally curious, creative and full of ideas. The Creativerse gives them permission to follow those instincts – to make, play, explore and even lead the experience. It’s a festival where creativity isn’t something you watch, it’s something you do. There really is nothing else quite like it.”
This year’s program features a diverse mix of ticketed performances alongside a free Immersive Zone that invites families to drop in, explore and create throughout the day.
Award-winning puppetry company Things of Foam and Wood present RAVEN, an uplifting story inspired by wildlife rescuer Raven Kinski.
Renowned artist and animator Kenny Chan will lead manga drawing and comic-making workshops, while Bendigo Art Gallery presents Composing Space, a relaxed sensory experience. Comedy meets creativity in Rockin’ Reptiles!, where children invent larger-than-life reptile rock stars, while Props Theatre encourages participants to create original performances.
The Creativerse’s free Immersive Zone offers families an entire day of discovery, with Country & Belonging: On Country forming a centrepiece of this year’s experience, along with the chance to make puppet dragons with the Golden Dragon Museum, and learn circus skills with Castlemaine Circus.
For more visit www.thecreativerse.org.au