The Honourable Rachel Nolan

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Ideas Festival 2011 shines a light on the future

Arts Minister Rachel Nolan today gave a sneak preview of the highlights for the 2011 Ideas Festival, which will invite Australia’s leading minds to grapple with the themes of well-being, food futures and sustainability.

“The 2011 Ideas Festival, taking place from 19-22 May, at the State Library brings together Queenslanders to brainstorm on issues that impact our daily lives,” Ms Nolan said.

“The festival’s three key themes of food futures, sustainability and well-being have never been more relevant given the unprecedented challenges we’ve had to face following the recent natural disasters.”

Ms Nolan revealed speakers for 2011 will include Maggie Beer, much-loved cook, food author, restaurateur and food manufacturer; Julian Burnside AO QC, barrister, human rights and refugee advocate; and Barbara Gunnell, a UK-based writer and editor, who was one of the few journalists invited to attend the trial of Julian Assange.

“The festival will also feature stories from people who have accomplished extraordinary feats; a program for senior school students to develop and pitch their big idea for change; and the Urban Garden for school children to learn about food production,” Ms Nolan said.

Presented by the Bligh Government through Arts Queensland and the State Library, Ideas Festival 2011 will venture beyond Brisbane’s city limits and reach out to regional Queensland.

“We are planning speakers and a workshop in Rockhampton and Cloncurry, and these events will be available to view in the online gallery of vodcasts.

“The 2011 Ideas Festival is going to be bigger and better than ever.

“The expansion of the Ideas Festival in 2011 typifies the spirit that is taking us forward following the recent floods and cyclones – it’s an attitude that we should not just rebuild, but that we should emerge better and stronger than before.”

The full program will be available mid-April. For information on how to get involved go to www.ideasfestival.com.au