QPAC’s Out of the Box festival returned in 2025 to entertain, educate, and spark a love of the arts in a new generation of children under eight years old.
Our beloved biennial festival which was first launched in 1992, had not been presented in seven years, and it was a joy to see so many excited children filling every theatre and foyer space in QPAC again.
The festival was held from 17 to 22 June, during the school term and including a weekend, so both school groups and the general public could enjoy the incredible performances, workshops, and free activities on offer.
Recognising that excursions are not always financially possible for all schools once the cost of transport, tickets, and support for teachers are factored in, QPAC’s long-standing initiative Care for a Class was activated for Out of the Box. The initiative ensures that schools that would ordinarily be unable to attend don’t miss out on this seminal experience for their students.
This year the incredible Care for a Class program helped over 1,000 students from 16 schools come to Out of the Box through funding from generous donors. Some of these students had never been to QPAC or even Brisbane before, some were attending their first theatre performances, and some were going on their first school excursions.
You can follow the journey of one of these classes in the video below. Seeing children make long-lasting memories at QPAC through their festival experience is truly impactful.
Thank you to the below donors who came on board for this initiative, without you this would not be possible.
Ningana Trust
Siganto Foundation
Terri Butler
Jasmina Joldić PSM
Gail Ker OAM
Lynette McErlean
Ann Sherry AO
Wendy Smith
Barbara Snelling
Jacqueline Walters
Jean Weeks
If you would like more information or to become a Care for a Class donor in 2027, please reach out to the QPAC Philanthropy Team.
