Queensland Performing Arts Centre Will Host The Second Annual Brisasia Symposium 2019

Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) will host the second annual BrisAsia Symposium 2019, which will explore the theme Belonging with an exciting, diverse line-up of artists and speakers including celebrity cook, writer and television presenter Adam Liaw, in the Cremorne Theatre on Friday 1 March 2019.

Liaw's television series, Destination Flavour, has travelled throughout Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Scandinavia and Singapore, winning an AACTA (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts) award for Best Lifestyle Program. Liaw is also an official 'Goodwill Ambassador for Japanese Cuisine' and UNICEF Australia's National Ambassador for Nutrition.

Presented by Brisbane City Council BrisAsia Festival in partnership with QPAC and Sounds Across Oceans, BrisAsia Symposium 2019 - Belonging brings together different cultures and disciplines from Brisbane's Asian communities for an intimate, thought-provoking event that seeks to strengthen bonds, foster a sense of shared identity and communal belonging, and inspire and connect individuals passionate about cultural change.

The all-day event at QPAC features interactive panel discussions and forums examining topics from ancient philosophy to cultural diplomacy, as well as artistic performances and great food and conversations with local and international thought leaders.

The Thresholds: Intercultural arts practice panel kicks off the event, featuring live performances from Carnatic vocalist Charulatha Mani, dance artist Sandi Woo and theatre director Ling-Hsueh Tang to provoke interactive panel discussion, moderated by performance maker Dr Jeremy Neideck.

Next up Sarah Mak, Co-Founder of TheStoryBoxes - a team of storytellers driving change through real stories - hosts the Driving Change forum, featuring a panel of nationally renowned thought leaders including tech strategist and video producer Susan "String" Nguyen, local food entrepreneur and celebrity chef Margaret Nguyen, actress, performer and comedian Dianna Nguyen and social change entrepreneur An Le.

Between panels and performances, guests will be invited to a curated lunch by Margaret Nguyen.

After an exchange of food and ideas is Confucianism: Its essentials and relevance to the world today, a panel discussing ancient philosophy and the role it plays in tackling contemporary challenges led by Benedict Kelly from The University of Queensland's Confucius Institute, and featuring guest lecturer Professor Biao Zuo from the Shanghai Maritime University.

The Cultural Diplomacy in the 21st Century: Cultivating the seeds of belonging panel reflects on the evolving nature and direction of cultural diplomacy, and the role of the arts in sharing cultural knowledge, preserving heritage and promoting communal understanding. Led by Professor Caitlin Byrne, Director of the Griffith Asia Institute, the panel features University of Queensland researcher and academic Natsuko Akagawa, filmmaker and director of Double Wire Productions Douglas Watkin and musicians from QPAC's newest ensemble in residence JADE New World Collective with guest artist Thai YouTube sensation Pongsaporn Upani.

Finishing a day of big conversations with a bang, ABC Radio National presenter Paul Barclay will host 'Do you want ice with your tea? - The dumbing down of Asian culture', a live recording of Big Ideas with Adam Liaw, author, journalist and television presenter Indira Naidoo and Brisbane local and Vietnamese hip hop artist and broadcaster Chong Ali.

The symposium will close with a special Green Jam celebration performance on Melbourne Street Green from 5.30pm. BrisAsia Sounds at Green Jam, QPAC's first Green Jam for 2019, will feature an eclectic line-up of Asian-Australian performers including electronic artist LÂLKA, QUBE Effect 2018 finalists Salmon & The Peaches and headliners KiKi-Tsugaru from Japan. Green Jam is QPAC's popular free live Friday music session.

BrisAsia Symposium 2019 Program Director Dr Anthony Garcia said the second annual program aims to uplift, inspire and connect.

"Brisbane is shifting, you can sense it, people are talking about it. The city is evolving and the BrisAsia Symposium program reflects and responds to this," said Dr Garcia.

Tickets are on sale, for more information and bookings go to the QPAC event page here qpac.com.au

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