QPAC closed as arts sector carnage continues in wake of floods

The arts sector has been dealt another blow, with the current flood situation shutting down QPAC and its hit show Frozen along with others arts venues. Here’s how it will affect the more than 10,000 ticket holders shut out.

Jemma Rix as Elsa in Frozen the Musical Australian production. Picture: Lisa Tomasetti.

There’s carnage in the arts sector as the floods shut down QPAC and other venues and hit shows such as Disney’s Frozen the musical. Up to 10,000 ticket holders have been contacted with the bad news about Frozen. Donning gumboots to inspect the venue Tuesday QPAC chief executive John Kotzas described the situation as “a bit like 2011 revisited”.

“We have done some flood mitigation work since then though,” Kotzas said. “It took us more than 10 days to get up and working again in 2011 and three months for the Playhouse but I’m hoping this isn’t as bad. I’m heading to the site to start putting in plans for pumping water out of the basement and car parks. It’s a bit demoralising but spirits are still high.”

QPAC boss John Kotzas has had to buy a new pair of gum boots to inspect the flooded areas of his venue. Photo Mark Cranitch.

Meanwhile due to ongoing impacts all performances at QPAC are cancelled until further notice.

Frozen tickets will be transferred to performances later in the season. No one should miss out. Emails have been sent to patrons and the QTIX Call Centre will start calling people as soon as possible.

Despite relief from the rain flooding and water damage remains an ongoing situation at QPAC affecting access and building operation.

Where possible, performances are being rescheduled and existing tickets will be transferred to new performance dates.

Further general updates will be communicated via QPAC’s social media channels and website.

Brisbane Powerhouse is also closed according to CEO/Artistic director Kate Gould.

“The water has breached the river wall, reaching a comparable level to the 2011 floods, however building safeguards and preventive measures implemented since 2011 mean that, thankfully, water did not infiltrate the lower-lying areas of the building,” Gould said.

CEO/Artistic Director of Brisbane Powerhouse Kate Gould. Pics Tara Croser.

“Due to the consequent impacts of the increased water pressure, including to electricity and airconditioning, the building will remain temporarily closed until it is deemed safe and comfortable for patrons to return. We hope that we will be able to reopen before the weekend.”

Affected ticketholders this week will be contacted directly by Box Office and questions can be directed to [e-mail] 

“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the floods, and in particular, to impacted arts industry colleagues,” Gould said. “Off the back of COVID-19, these further devastations to our industry will be felt deeply.”

Queensland Theatre which is located in a low lying area of South Brisbane has been hard hit according to executive director Amanda Jolly.

“Like many of our neighbours, partner organisations, friends and patrons around the southeast, Queensland Theatre has been inundated with flood waters in the last 48 hours,” Jolly said.

Queensland Theatre’s executive director Amanda Jolly

“The waters have overrun the ground level of our building affecting some offices, the foyer, the Diane Cilento Studio, The Bille Brown Theatre and many surrounding backstage and storage areas. While the full scale of the situation continues to unfold, we are buoyed by the support of our community and know that we will come together to clean-up, repair, and get back on stage as soon as we can, to continue bringing the joy of theatre to Queenslanders.”

The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art are also closed and the Conservatorium Theatre at South Bank is rescheduling shows at a time when the arts industry was gearing up for a big 2022. That’s all on hold for at least a week, fingers crossed.