Inside Amococo. Photo: Ian MacPherson.

We flew to Brisbane yesterday to soak up the electrifying atmosphere of QPAC’s biennial event, Out of the Box. Three days ago, Brisbane’s Cultural Centre precinct was transformed into a world-class playground for children 8 years and under. Running through till next Monday, (June 14) this cultural and arts extravaganza is not to be missed – seriously! It is by far the most exciting and inspiring adventure we’ve been on this year.

Amococo – an Architects of Air production. Photos: Ian MacPherson.

One of the main attractions at Out of the Box is of course Amococo: a walk-through, inflatable sculpture filled with radiant light and vivid colour. 86 three-sided domes are linked to form a monumental labyrinth which will transport your whole family into another world. Even the senior members of our crew found it hard to resist the urge to run barefoot through these colourful tunnels and cavernous domes.

Amococo. Photos: Ian MacPherson.

Left: Shanti Freed & James Stephenson, Architects of Air. Photos Ian MacPherson.

UK company, Architects of Air transported the giant sculpture from Nottingham, UK to the Cultural Forecourt at QPAC earlier this week. Visit AOA’s website to experience Amococo in video.

Mr McGee and the Biting Flea. Photo: Ian MacPherson.

Festival organisers have lined up a great program of performances for this year’s event. The first show we took in for the day was Patch Theatre Company’s award-winning production, Mr McGee and the Biting Flea. Based on stories by children’s author Pamela Allen – three curious workers transform a storeroom into an enchanting place of music and play.

Roundabout Theatre's Trichia & Helix. Roving entertainment at Out of the Box. Photos: Ian MacPherson.

There’s also plenty of roving entertainment and a host of free events that run throughout the day. The site does get crowded so make sure everyone in your group is well rested before you head on out to Out of the Box. For those families traveling interstate, make sure you catch the Airtrain from Brisbane Airport. Kids travel free and if you buy a return ticket, it’s cheaper.

Thanks to the QPAC staff, volunteers, event organisers, partners and all the amazing artists for putting on such a unique event for children and their families to enjoy. For a full listing of performances, workshops and free events visit QPAC’s Out of the Box website. Tickets are now limited so be sure to get a wriggle on!

We’ll be back tomorrow with more LMNOP coverage of Out of the Box.