Queensland Performing Arts Centre is proud to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program.
To support and raise awareness of patrons with a non-visible disability, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is a proud member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. QPAC strive to provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for all visitors.
They offer a range of services, facilities, and programs to ensure that everyone can attend performances and participate in our programs. They encourage visitors to inform our staff of any individual needs you may have at the time of booking. Wearing a Sunflower is voluntary but by choosing to wear a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, you can signal to QPAC trained staff that you may need assistance or a little extra time during your visit.
QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said the organisation made the decision to support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative without hesitation.
“As a public institution, it’s important for us to create and present stories and perspectives that reflect our diverse communities, and this is only meaningful if these communities have the opportunity to see themselves on our stages,” Mr Kotzas said.
Since opening in 1985, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in Brisbane, Australia, has welcomed more than 30 million visitors to performances, free events, workshops and outdoor performances. More than 33,500 performances have taken place in one of the Centre's four venues, many featuring some of the world's most significant artists and major presentations. A fifth venue for QPAC is currently under construction and will seat 1,500 people and make QPAC the largest performing arts centre under one roof in Australia.
“We are committed to QPAC being a safe and welcoming space for all, and we are continually looking at ways to ensure everyone can attend performances and participate in programs here. Before announcing our partnership with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative, we deployed mandatory training for all staff – from Administration and Production Services to Front of House and Food and Beverage – to make sure all facets of the business were ready to welcome and assist visitors with non-visible disabilities. Our People and Culture team has been instrumental in ensuring Sunflower merchandise is available to our staff, either as a Sunflower wearer or supporter. After only a couple of months, it’s been heartwarming to see an increase in our audience members wearing their Sunflower merchandise and know that we can make their theatre experience just that little bit easier and special. Our partnership with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative is timely, as we look to our 40th anniversary in 2025, when we will celebrate 40 years of curiosity, inclusion, gathering and stories.” QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas
Learn more about Queensland Performing Arts Centre.