A Celebration of Inclusion and Creative Excellence - Access Arts

Making Space for all:

Our Festival Story with QPAC

June 23, 2025

Access Arts (CPL) is proud to have partnered with QPAC as an Access Partner for this year’s Out of the Box festival for children eight years and under, working alongside QPAC and CPL families to help shape a vibrant week of live performances, sensory-friendly zones, and inclusive, disability-led programming for children with disability.

One of the standout moments was Wonderbox by Sensorium Theatre – a beautifully crafted and highly specialised performance designed to welcome young audiences with disability and their friends, children who are often excluded from live events. One parent shared their heartfelt response:

“From the moment we arrived, I was struck by the care, thought, and inclusivity built into every aspect of the experience... My son not only stayed for the entire show, but he laughed, participated, and showed genuine awe... Wonderbox opened up a part of the world that my son is so often excluded from and gave our family an experience we will never forget.”

— Parent, anonymous

The performance used non-verbal cues, key-word signing, and a thoughtfully designed sensory environment to create meaningful, inclusive engagement. For this family, and many others, the experience was both joyful and deeply moving.

Across the festival, audience feedback celebrated small but powerful access-first details like Social Stories, Slow Down Zones, and inclusive theatre etiquette that helped families feel more at ease in public spaces.

“It has been a wonderfully rewarding opportunity to work with the Access Arts team. Your knowledge, generous guidance, and advocacy for truly putting inclusion upfront have been invaluable. I’m grateful for all we’ve achieved together - and what’s still to come.”

— Megan, QPAC

We’re incredibly proud of this collaboration and thank QPAC for making space for conversations that start with access, creating a culture where every child can belong, explore, and be included on their own terms.

Access Arts acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and we pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their unique cultural and spiritual relationship to land, water and seas and their rich contribution to society.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

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Patron of Access Arts

Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland

Supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland