World Science Festival Brisbane returns to Queensland in March 2022, with its dynamic mix of scientific surprises, fun discoveries and a new partnership with Curiocity Brisbane.
Minister for Arts Leeanne Enoch confirmed next year's dates today and said an expanded 2022 World Science Festival Brisbane, presented by the Queensland Museum Network, would enable more Queenslanders to connect with the latest wonders of science in Brisbane and beyond.
"The Palaszczuk Government is providing $9 million for the next three World Science Festivals, and it is so exciting to see this popular festival continue to grow and present creative solutions for our planet's future challenges," Minister Enoch said.
"From 9 March 2022, World Science Festival Queensland will once again boost the state's economic recovery, including in regional areas, showcasing the curious connection of arts and science.
"The 2021 World Science Festival has been a success with more than 120,000 visitors already engaging in the community and school days in Brisbane, Townsville, Chinchilla, Gladstone and Toowoomba with Ipswich still to be held on 7 and 8 November.
"In Brisbane alone, 179 events were held at 22 locations with 360 performances, generating more than $3.6 million in direct and incremental spending.
"Since its introduction in 2016, this popular event has attracted audiences of more than 800,000 visitors in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Chinchilla, Townville and Mackay, and generated more than $32 million in economic impact for the state.
"The arts are key to delivering our plan for economic recovery from COVID-19, each year injecting $8.5 billion into the state's economy and supporting more than 92,000 jobs for Queenslanders, and this is why the Queensland Government supports the only World Science Festival held outside of New York," Ms Enoch said.
WORLD SCIENCE FESTIVAL DATES:
World Science Festival Brisbane |
9 -13 March 2022 |
Curiocity Brisbane |
9 -20 March 2022 |
Regional Program World Science Festival |
|
Townsville |
13 – 14 May June – July (School holiday program) |
Gladstone |
17 – 18 June |
Chinchilla |
29 – 30 July |
Ipswich |
9 – 10 September September (School holiday program) |
Toowoomba |
9 -10 October April (School holiday program) |
Minister for Tourism Industry Development and Innovation and Minister for Sport Stirling Hinchliffe said he was delighted that the two festivals would now be co-curated.
"Created by Tourism and Events Queensland and Brisbane Marketing, Curiocity Brisbane continues to go from strength to strength in partnership with the World Science Festival," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"Curiocity Brisbane is also a highlight of the Palaszczuk Government's It's Live! in Queensland events calendar which is designed to encourage visitors to explore our world-class tourism experiences and support our Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
"When the World Science Festival and Curiocity come to life in March, Brisbane is the place to be," Minister Hinchliffe said.
Queensland Museum Network CEO Dr Jim Thompson said the planning and development for the 2022 program is well underway and shaping up to be the best event yet.
"We'll ignite curiosity in our visitors to explore life's big questions, through compelling discussions, lively debates, and science and art installations," Dr Thompson said.
"When you break it down, science and art are essentially about observation and interpretation and we look forward to sharing this with visitors to Brisbane during March."
