Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch launched the 2023 World Science Festival Brisbane (WSFB) program, which returns from 22 to 26 March and will transform the city with a galaxy-full of scientific knowledge, innovation and possibilities for Queenslanders to explore.

“The World Science Festival Brisbane explores the intersection of art and science to open minds and unlock the extraordinary, with a line-up of fun and exciting events celebrating ground-breaking discoveries, new technology and inspiring scientific moments,” Minister Enoch said.

“With more than 130 free and ticketed activities, shows and events on offer across Brisbane from South Bank to Mt Coo-tha, the 2023 program offers Queenslanders an opportunity to see beyond the everyday and consider new perspectives.

“As the only version of the iconic event outside New York, the Palaszczuk Government has committed a further $3 million each year for three years starting from 2021-22, to deliver World Science Festival events in Queensland.

“Since 2016, World Science Festival Brisbane has attracted more than 1.8 million people in person and online, bringing science out of labs and into our communities’ hearts and minds across the state,” Minister Enoch said.

“This year, the festival will cover a range of topics across its Conversations, Special Events and City of Science, with the ever popular The Hatchery; Turtle Conservation Experience, returning to delight visitors and livestreamed viewers.

“Conversations will traverse space and explore our solar system, uncover our prehistoric and ancient past, map out the science and stories behind our humanity, and consider how we can best care for the planet we call home.”

“Powering the festival into a whole other stratosphere, art and science will combine forces in a new night-time program Social Science, transforming Queensland Museum into an electric hub of live music, shows, comedy and science,” Minister Enoch said

“There’s plenty more with daily events across the Cultural Centre, weekend activities for Little Learners, and Lunchtime Labs lighting up the Queen St Mall every day of the festival.

“The science fun doesn’t stop once you’re headed home, with an expansive online program including the short film series Cool Jobs, podcasts and audio tours.”

Minister Enoch said Curiocity Brisbane would again be delivered as a key pillar of World Science Festival Brisbane, showcasing 14 inspiring artworks in locations throughout South Bank.

“The World Science Festival showcases Queensland as an international destination in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Minister Enoch said.

Science and Youth Affairs Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the partnership with the Department of Science and the Queensland Museum Networks continues to deliver a world class festival.

“To date more than 25,000 students have participated in the STEM education program, inspiring our future generation of scientists.

“This year we are also excited to be partnering with industry to showcase our world-leading scientists who are turning research into reality.

Tourism and Innovation Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said World Science Festival Brisbane and Curiocity Brisbane were a highlight of the Palaszczuk Government’s It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar.

“The World Science Festival and Curiocity Brisbane are set to deliver an unbeatable combination of science, innovation, art and tourism in 2023,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“With so much to inspire and explore, this is a hugely popular event with Queensland and interstate visitors who are predicted to spend more than $12.7 million with Brisbane tourism and hospitality providers.”

Queensland Museum Network CEO Dr Jim Thompson said this year’s World Science Festival Brisbane would inspire people with the wonders of science.  

“With so many challenges facing our world today, the festival plays a pivotal role in bringing science to the public domain and giving visitors the opportunity to explore scientific theories, listen to robust debates, and allows visitors of all ages to engage with and celebrate science,” Dr Thompson said.   

“For our regional communities, World Science Festival Queensland will once again be a highlight, kicking off in Toowoomba in May, then Chinchilla, Townsville, Gladstone and rounding out what will be an impressive regional festival at Ipswich in August,” Dr Thompson said.       

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Bill Walker - 0437 859 987