First Step

The beautiful surrounds of the northern Grampians is the scene for the First Step Weekend – a weekend of Professional Development for Artistic Directors, Group Coordinators and those interested in developing arts in the disability sector coordinated by Australia’s only regional disability arts festival Awakenings. The weekend was originally developed a few years back as the ‘first step’ for artistic directors and those involved in bringing groups to the region’s Awakenings Festival. It has now grown into an integral part of the development of arts in the disability sector.

First Step 2008: 30th May - 1st June

First Step is a weekend of professional development for artistic directors, ‘want to be’ artistic directors, group coordinators and for those interested in developing the arts in the disability sector and mainstream. This year the focus is on The Film Making experience with Erin McCuskey (It’s not as daunting as you think!). The weekend also provides a chance for the Awakenings organising team to enlighten First Steppers with a run down of the 2008 Festival. The venue – Grampians Retreat and Field Studies Centre at Dunkeld, has a great atmosphere, great food and a new amenities block. So keep May 30, 31 and June 1, 2008 free, for a fun-filled, creative experience and a chance to breathe in the beautiful fresh air of the Grampians for a whole weekend.
Download Flyer (pdf, 91kbs)
Download Program (pdf, 62kbs)
Download Registration Form (pdf, 730kbs)

First Step Weekend 2007:

Download the Full Report of the 2007 First Step Weekend from Jenny Payne, First Step organiser. Includes photos from David Bowe, First Step photographer.