Art and science collide in World Science Festival Brisbane 2023

Published Wednesday, 22 March, 2023 at 05:00 PM

Minister for Communities and Housing, Minister for Digital Economy and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Leeanne Enoch

  • World Science Festival Brisbane 2023 takes place from 22 – 26 March with more than 130 free and ticketed events.
  • Since 2016, World Science Festival Brisbane has reached more than 1.8 million people in person and online with an economic impact of more than $39 million to Queensland.
  • The Queensland Government has supported World Science Festival Brisbane since 2016 with annual funding of $3 million per festival.

Arts and science collide in the Jurassic-sized series of events set in motion today with the opening of World Science Festival Brisbane (WSFB) 2023, taking over the river city from 22 to 26 March 2023.

Audiences can unlock a deeper understanding of humanity with Memory: The Hidden Pathways that make us Human, Rewriting the story of Humankind and Queerstories, or take in Curiocity as it offers a fresh perspective on what science and art can become when brought together.

Fossilised fun runs rampant through Clash of the Titans!, Erth’s Prehistoric Picnic, and In the Shadows of Dinosaurs.

Visitors can also see some of the world’s largest dinosaurs in the Dinosaurs of Patagonia exhibition, offering a unique opportunity to take a trip back in time and unearth the majestic creatures that once ruled this planet.

The festival showcases scientific solutions and First Nations cultural knowledge to help secure a sustainable future in the events The Future of Conservation and Regenerating Country.

Festival favourite The Hatchery; Turtle Conservation Experience, gives visitors and livestreamed viewers an up-close look at Australia’s loggerhead turtles hatching in specially designed incubation chambers and raises awareness about ocean pollution and its impact on marine life.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch:

“A world of scientific knowledge, innovation and possibilities awaits Queenslanders of all ages at the World Science Festival Brisbane to celebrate the science of our everyday, alongside that of our prehistoric past and potential futures," Minister Enoch said.

“The festival will showcase the work of Queensland’s first scientists - First Nations peoples - along with key conversations featuring Brian Greene, who is the founder of the New York event.

“This signature festival helps to profile Queensland as an international destination for innovation and ground-breaking ideas in the lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Third party quote: Queensland Museum Network CEO Dr Jim Thompson

“Over the next five days visitors will immerse themselves in the wonders of science,” Dr Thompson said. 

"This year’s World Science Festival Brisbane will be an unforgettable experience.  We have an amazing line up of experts from around the world sharing their incredible discoveries and discussing the big issues facing the world today.”

"The celebration of science begins tonight with the premier event The Golden Age of Exploration at QPAC, that sees Professor Brian Greene and representatives from four International Space Agencies discussing their vision for where space exploration will take us.”

"Whether you're a family looking for hands-on learning for the kids with our City of Science programming, or adults enjoying science with a drink in hand at Queensland Museum's newest night-time event, Social Science, we're thrilled for visitors to join us on a journey of exploration and innovation."

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

  • Curiocity Brisbane will be delivered as a key pillar of World Science Festival Brisbane, showcasing 14 inspiring artworks in locations throughout South Bank
  • World Science Festival Queensland will visit Toowoomba Chinchilla, Townsville, Gladstone and Ipswich throughout 2023

Media contact: Martin Philip 0407 675 008