Queensland Performing Arts Centre Announces Program for Out of the Box Festival

The 2014 program for Out of the Box was launched today at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) with the eight-day festival featuring the world premiere of a new work by internationally acclaimed Circa.

QPAC's Chief Executive John Kotzas said Out of the Box was a signature event for QPAC which has entertained, inspired and engaged children for over 20 years.

"It is recognised internationally as a landmark festival dedicated to children, arts based learning and creating lifetime memories and an enduring love of the arts," Mr Kotzas said. "This year from 25 June to 2 July the festival will shine a spotlight on the world's best arts and culture for children eight years and under."

"The program includes the world premiere of a work produced by QPAC in collaboration with Queensland company, Circa; a concert series featuring Australian household names in children's entertainment: Justine Clarke, Jay Laga'aia, Sam Moran and one of our Queensland Culture Champions, Katie Noonan; and a focus on Asian culture through free outdoor entertainment and activities including Japanese Drumming and Bollywood Dance," said Kotzas.

"The festival also caters for the very young with a new production Nursery, an immersive experience for parents and their babies through dance and music. Out of the Box is a wonderful way for parents to encourage children to love the arts and to grow up to be creative leaders and future problem solvers," he said.

Arts Minister Ian Walker said festival goers could enjoy Out of the Box performances and activities across the Cultural Precinct with QPAC joining forces with QAGOMA, Queensland Museum and State Library of Queensland.

"It's important for children to have access to quality cultural experiences, and we are working to make this happen through the Arts for all Queenslanders strategy," Mr Walker said. "QPAC is to be congratulated for the work it is doing to support this through Out of the Box."

Mr Kotzas said that by presenting a longer festival, which incorporates the first week of the school holidays, the aim is to ensure that as many children as possible are able to participate, either with their school, or with families and carers.

"Out of the Box is built on the fundamental principle that children matter. This festival enables children to share their stories, opinions and voices. I encourage parents, caregivers and educators to attend and discover the joy of Out of the Box," he said.

Tickets for Out of the Box festival 2014 go on sale on Monday 10 March at 9.00am at www.outoftheboxfestival.com.au or phone 136 246. To join a waitlist now go to www.outoftheboxfestival.com.au. The festival runs from Wednesday 25 June - Wednesday 2 July 2014 at QPAC and Cultural Precinct, South Bank, Brisbane.

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