This is just a quick post today for parents in Brisbane to tell you about the upcoming Out of the Box Festival for 2014.

Picture this – your baby is exploring a safe and special play space immersed in dance and music, your child co-creating an eye-catching large-scale sculpture, your child listening to a story read by their favourite author, your child exploring a garden of ancient and beautiful gongs and singing bowls… These are just a few of the exceptional arts events that young children can experience at this year’s Out of the Box Festival in Brisbane. From 25 June to 2 July 2014 (just 2 big sleeps away) QPAC and the Cultural Precinct  will play host to a diverse array of theatre, concerts, free activities, workshops and exhibitions all designed for an Under 8 audience.

I’m taking my kids to Out of The Box

I am so excited about taking my girls along as this year’s program sounds incredible. I’ve booked tickets to Carnival of Animals – produced and performed by internationally acclaimed Circa, set to the classic music by French composer, Camille Saint-Saens and featuring large digital projection and huge silk swathes. A few other events that we also plan on spending time at include Playbox (dress ups and pretend play on an outdoor stage), Bollywood dancing, Henna hands and writing wishes for the wishing tree.

Not matter what your baby’s, toddler’s, preschooler’s or young child’s interests are, they will be well catered for at this years festival.

For more information on the full Out of The Box program go to http://www.outoftheboxfestival.com.au/.

What do children get out of arts festivals like Out of the Box?

So, so much…immersion in the arts –

1. inspires young children’s imaginations,
2. awakens their curiosity,
3. encourages their thinking and ideas and gives them a voice.

Besides all that, the events are ‘serious’ fun for your children (and you too!)

In support of education through arts and culture I am also volunteering at this year’s festival. I will write more about my experiences (and my children’s experiences ) at the festival post event.

Until then, I hope to see you and your child/children there. If you’ve got any particular Out of the Box activities or events marked out on your calendar, let us know what it is and why your child loves it!

(Image credits Out of the Box)