Out of the Box opens up the arts for children

An army of under-eights is set to take over the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) as it comes alive for its annual Out of the Box children’s festival with14 ticketed events, 140 performances, 30 free events and more than 1000 free activities from 25 June to 2 July 2014.

Acting Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek today officially opened the 2014 Out of the Box festival, QPAC’s signature event which entertains, inspires and engages children, part of the government’s strong plan to provide the arts that Queensland families want to enjoy.

“The whole Cultural Precinct will come alive as QPAC works in partnership with the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), State Library and Queensland Museum to realise a common focus on the arts and cultural experiences of our youngest visitors,” Mr Langbroek said.

This year’s festival features performances by much loved entertainers Justine Clarke, Jay Laga'aia, Sam Moran and Queensland Culture Champion, Katie Noonan. A special focus on Australia’s relationship with Asia will see free outdoor entertainment and activities incorporating Asian arts and culture including Japanese Drumming and Bollywood Dance.

There will be two world premiere performances including a circus, animation and music performance by Circa called Carnival of the Animals, and an interactive experience for babies from internationally renowned Australian artist Sally Chance, called Nursery.

“As Education Minister I’m very proud of the fact that since its inception, Out of the Box has partnered with QUT to ensure the festival is grounded in rigorous research and contemporary practice in early childhood education,” Mr Langbroek said.

“There is a great opportunity for early childhood professionals to engage with this year’s program at a three day International Teaching Arts Conference co-hosted by QPAC and QUT as part of the festival.”

QPAC’s Chief Executive John Kotzas said Out of the Box built important connections between professional practice and community participation, as it engaged schools, educators, parents, carers and children.

“The festival is specifically curated to offer children the chance to participate in and create art,” Mr Kotzas said.

“It provides a chance for children to be challenged by ideas and concepts and to engage in imaginative serious play and participation with educationally trained artists.

“This year we’re presenting a longer festival, which incorporates the first five days of the winter school holidays offering families the opportunity to share in their children’s arts and cultural activity and learning.”

For tickets and full program details for the Out of the Box festival 2014 go to www.outoftheboxfestival.com.au or phone 136 246.

To access the Out of the Box program, images and video footage, go to www.outoftheboxfestival.com.au/media.

[ENDS] 24 June 2014

Media Contact: Amy Cobb 0418 996 503