Queensland Performing Arts Centre Hits 1 Million Visitors

The spotlight has moved from the stage to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) itself as QPAC celebrates more than one million visitors in the last financial year.

QPAC’s annual program included major productions from around the world alongside innovative new works and collaborations with national and local companies.

Over the last year, QPAC’s program featured four major musicals (Doctor Zhivago, Rock of Ages, Mary Poppins, Annie); a range of opportunities for audiences to participate in creative activity as well as a diverse mix of events including fashion festivals, speech nights, graduations and school performances and a visit from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

QPAC’s Chief Executive John Kotzas thanked the million visitors, 53% who were from Brisbane and 47% who were from outside the city.

“Our extensive program is developed through the dedication and expertise of our programming team, with the support of external partners who seek to present the best in local, national and international performances for Brisbane audiences.

“Our program is resonating strongly with the community and we’d like to acknowledge the many people and organisations who contributed to achieving these results.

“QPAC earns approximately 80% of its annual income and so the ongoing support and recognition of the community is extremely important.

“I would also like to acknowledge the ongoing funding support that QPAC receives from the Queensland Government. This funding assists local companies to present in our theatres. It also enables the Centre to bring acclaimed international performing arts companies, exclusively to Brisbane, such as the three Hamburg state performance companies arriving at QPAC August 23.

“Among many personal highlights for the year, the 20th anniversary of Out of the Box Festival was especially significant given my connection with it from its inception in 1992.

“Finally, I would also like to extend my thanks to the dedicated team at QPAC. They have all contributed to helping QPAC achieve this million milestone,” said Mr Kotzas.

THE ART OF NUMBERS AT QPAC:

Performance facts:

· Total attendance at QPAC: 1,053,178
a. Attendance at ticketed events: 918,391
b. Attendance at free events: 134,787

· Total tickets issued by qtix: 1,016,991 an increase of 19% on the previous year

· 1427 performances

· 225 seasons

· Artists and companies included:
Bryan Adams, ACO, The Angels, Angelina Ballerina, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Rachael Beck, Heston Blumenthal, Chris Botti, Tom Burlinson, David Campbell, John Cleese, Natalie Cole, Chris Cornell, John Farnham,

Michael Feinstein, Colin Firth, Stephen Fry, Grug, Lenny Henry, Christine Johnstone, Miriam Margolyes, Dylan Moran, Randy Newman, Opera Australia, Leah Purcell, Sydney Dance Company, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Anthony Warlow, The Wiggles...and many more.

· In June 2012 QPAC presented the 20th anniversary Out of the Box Festival for Children.

· QPAC’s most famous visitor was Queen Elizabeth II