Ideas Festival to play key role in 150th anniversary celebrations

Arts Minister Rod Welford today announced the Ideas Festival will move to 2009 to be part of Queensland’s 150^th anniversary celebrations.

“The Ideas Festival is the state’s foremost public vehicle to drive debate on the major issues and concerns that shape our lives as Queenslanders and citizens of the world,” Mr Welford said.

“As the 150^th anniversary celebrations in 2009 will be a time for reflection on our past and our future, it makes sense for the Ideas Festival to be part of this important milestone for Queensland.

“In 2009 everyone will be talking about Queensland – who we are and where are going. The Ideas Festival can lead that conversation.”

Mr Welford said the rescheduling would give the Ideas Festival team the time to develop a new structure that would allow more interaction with the community and broader input into programming.

“The new date will also enable better promotion of the Festival, and its plans for 2009 kick off soon with the launch of an Ideas Club on the festival’s website,” Mr Welford said.

More than 20,000 people attended the Ideas Festival in 2006, enjoying exhibitions, public debate and demonstrations on a wide variety of topics presented by local, national and international thinkers.

Ideas Festival Director Mr Michael Peterson said the festival’s strength flowed from the ideas of the people of Queensland.

“Our motto for the 2009 Festival is ‘Ideas to Action’ and we will be inviting people to be a part of the process,” Mr Peterson said.

“Let’s together create an Ideas Festival that reflects the context in which we all work and live.”

Mr Welford thanked Brisbane Airport Corporation and Griffith University for their ongoing support of the Festival.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000