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Queensland children will be able to dive into amazing arts activities at QPAC’s Out of the Box Festival, which has kick-started today.

In officially opening the festival today, Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said children were able to engage with amazing arts experiences, sing, dance, move, play, paint, create and imagine as part of the Festival.

“The Queensland Government has supported this wonderful festival for more than 25 years, during which Out of the Box has presented quality performance and cultural activity that celebrates and supports learning, play, and discovery for children,” Ms Enoch said.

“Since the first Out of the Box in 1992, the biennial event has engaged more than one million participants and 3721 artists, which is incredible.

“It has also presented 1534 performances, 2335 workshops and 9461 activities.

“Out of the Box has also presented 103 brand new works, some of which have gone on to tour nationally and internationally and creating work for Queensland artists.

“Children and families continue to embrace every Out of the Box, and it is fantastic to see that some of the very first attendees from 1992 are now bringing along their own children.”

Ms Enoch said this year’s program featured international and Queensland theatre performances, including the world premiere of an Out of the Box commissioned work, Duck, based on a book by Australian author Janet A. Holmes.

“Today we can also see the fabulous Little Yawar, where First Nations children are able to share and celebrate their culture.

“Another highlight is the daily Dance…Like No One is Watching dance parties with over 30 schools and more than 2500 Queensland children from across the state ready to to participate following in school dance workshops facilitated by Out of the Box artists.

“I commend QPAC for its ongoing commitment through this iconic Festival to promote the value of participation in the arts for life long-learning, which has many positive benefits for children’s social, creative and cognitive development.”

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said Out of the Box provides exceptional quality arts based learning opportunities for children and a space for them to engage in ideas around important topics in the world today.

“I encourage children, their families and teachers to make the most of this five-day event curated by QPAC especially for our youngest Queenslanders,” Mr Kotzas said.

Festival goers can access Out of the Box performances, activities, exhibitions and workshops from 26 June to 1 July. For more information, visit www.outoftheboxfestival.com.au.