QPAC to Host 30th Anniversary Party, 19 April

On Sunday the 19 April 2015 the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is throwing a party from 1pm until 7.30pm to celebrate its 30th Anniversary. The public celebration falls just 1 day prior to the anniversary of QPAC's official opening on 20 April.

Since first raising the curtain in 1985, QPAC has grown into an international leader among performing arts centres and has cemented its place as an iconic part of Brisbane's architectural and cultural landscapes.

The 30th anniversary party is a public celebration that weaves together the things that make QPAC great; artists, audiences and live performance.

Celebration events are planned for QPAC's front yard; the Melbourne Street Green and QPAC's Cascade Court. Events throughout the day will include live music, dance and children's programs plus opportunities to get hands on and participate in the fun.

Artist Gus Eagleton, renowned for urban street art, has been commissioned to create a unique large scale installation inspired by the building and QPAC's role as one of the city's key public spaces.

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said the celebration reflected the Centres desire to be a place that is alive, welcoming and part of its community. It was a way to say thank you.

"QPAC belongs to Queensland. Over time we've grown to be part of the fabric of this city and I hope a trusted curator, presenter and host. Looking forward I'm confident the breadth of our programs, the world renowned alongside the emerging, local and new, will continue to expand our place here in Queensland and our international profile.

"We have great ambitions for the future. The QPAC team are some of the best in the business and we collaborate with creative, innovative people from all over the world. In the next few years we're focused on the digital sphere, on the multitude of ways we all play and learn through the arts and importantly on the way societies value the impact of the arts of all parts of our lives," he said.

The day of celebration will be emceed by local theatre royalty Ian Brown whose works include Walking by Apple Tree Creek, The Valley Member, Live at Ric's and Drunk & Disorderly.

There will be a children's activity space run by the wonderful minds at Imaginary Theatre, back stage tours* taken by past QPAC employee and theatre project manager Iain Audsley and lighting designer David Walters, live entertainment from Chukale, The Sugar Shakers, Brisbane Bells plus a host of others, along with performances by Nunukul Yuggera and Wagga Dance Group. The celebration promises an afternoon of fun and excitement with some surprises thrown in along the way.

QPAC is spreading the celebrations across the year with a special offer to encourage younger audiences to participate in the arts. For every major performance season** for the remainder of 2015 there will be 30 tickets made available*** for $30 for people aged 30 and under (conditions will apply).

Mr Kotzas said "We have some very loyal patrons who have visited us frequently from the day we opened till now. In our 30th anniversary year we are also planning for our future and it is an opportunity for us to invite the next generation of patrons to participate and reap the rewards of live performance; and perhaps start their relationship with us for the next 30 years".

For more information call qtix on 136 246 or go to qpac.com.au.