E L E V A T E – WALKING WITH GIANTS

“Something is stirring…”

ELEVATE was a magical project of hope and connection offering community workshops in stiltwalking, large-scale puppetry, storytelling, dance and pop-up performances across three locations in the Colac Otway Region, Victoria in 2022. The project was funded by Creative Victoria and Regional Arts Australia, and sponsored by Colac Otway Arts Trail.

ELEVATE engaged 11 creative practitioners, 3 youth arts assistants, and 6 personnel to carefully craft and bring the project to life. Creative PODD groups (play opportunity, design and development) were formed and lead by artistic director and project manager Eloise Wood. The weekend program SOLD OUT in host towns Barwon Downs, Apollo Bay and Gellibrand with over 50 participants attending the weekends. The Finale event was in conjunction with Colac Otway Expo weekend where over 600 audience members enjoyed the Giants performance in the Botanic Gardens and Lake Foreshore.

“It was an otherworldly experience as you step into the character you had created. You were taken on a journey of self discovery and imagination. I really enjoyed this experience; it felt like a safe place to explore myself and the world”
Giants Name – Greta . What treasure is your Giant looking for? Connection to the land. Belonging

Sarah – Apollo Bay, Age 14,

I loved being a part of the Elevate workshops because it is really creative and fun. My favourite parts were painting and decorating the Giant mask and coming up with the story about our giant. I also really enjoyed learning how to walk on stilts. I really liked the final performance- it was really pretty and fun being at the gardens. Thank you.

Ellen Standish – Barwon Downs, Age 11