CHOOKAHS!* CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL - SPECIAL APPEAL

Creating the world's best performing arts festival for children and families

* Theatrical term meaning "good luck" as it is considered bad luck to say good luck prior to a performance

The Victorian Arts Centre Trust has launched a very special appeal to help transform the Arts Centre for five vibrant, creative and inventive days in November.

The Chookahs! Children's Festival Appeal encourages all adults who love the performing arts to join with us in encouraging and nurturing the next generation of arts audiences.

In 2006, the Chookahs! Children's Festival introduced 34,000 children and their families to the wonder of the performing arts. Along the way we encouraged them to develop both their imagination and creativity.

Click here to see a 5 minute clip of the Chookahs! Children's Festival in action

Help us to transform the Arts Centre into a magical world for children

We need to raise $500,000 so that the Arts Centre can make Melbourne home to the biggest and best children's festival in the world. Our vision is for 7 days of exhilaration, wonder and excitement with more than 400 events presented to 70,000 children and families.

So far, we have raised more than half our target, but we need your help to create a unique opportunity for more children and families to experience the performing arts, for example:

• A gift of $90 costumes one festival staff member
• A gift of $1,000 commissions a new roving performance

Click here to make a secure online donation

Download a printable donation form

Ten compelling reasons to support the Chookahs! Kids Festival

With your support, this festival will:

  1. make a lot of children very happy
  2. include free events
  3. complement educational programs
  4. encourage families to discover the performing arts together
  5. be accessible to all cultures and socio economic groups
  6. provide opportunities to create new Australian works for children
  7. expand children's performing arts experiences
  8. include performance and interactive activities
  9. become an international festival with visiting companies and artists
  10. make the Arts Centre a welcoming place for children
Your gift will help us create a unique opportunity for children and families to experience the performing arts.

For further information on special appeals please contact Philanthropy on (03) 9281 8278 or e-mail philanthropy@theartscentre.com.au.