Share, inspire and create at Spark
The annual Spark festival kicks off again in August with an impressive lineup of creative stars
More than 30 artists, photographers, designers, musicians, film-makers, journalists and media commentators are heading to Hamilton to share, inspire and create at the annual Spark International Festival of Media, Arts and Design.
Now in its 17th year Spark is a major event on the national arts calendar. The week-long festival is organised by Wintec’s School of Media Arts and is designed to bring inspiring creative practice and the wider arts community together. It engages, educates and provides opportunities to those with an interest in the creative industries.
The festival will run from August 10-14 showcasing presentations, exhibitions, panel discussions and associated events from local and international presenters.
Some of the international guests this year include artists Daniel von Sturmer and Jess Johnson (Melbourne), designer Tom Dirnberger (Sydney) and charismatic musician Chelsea Jade (Los Angeles).
Festival director Wendy Richdale says organisers liked to bring both international and national creatives to Spark for their breadth of experience and perspectives.
” We also try to find people who have an ethos of sharing their knowledge and experience. Sharing insights, experiences and tips to inspire others is at the core of what Spark festival is all about.”
This year’s festival will also feature events run in conjunction with the University of Waikato. An exhibition of artist Reuben Paterson’s work will be held at the Calder & Lawson Gallery following his presentation at Spark on Thursday August 13. That night artists, academics and cultural innovators come together for the Creative Confluences panel, sponsored by the University of Waikato’s cultural committee.
Once again a Spark Shop will be run alongside the festival, featuring products from past and present Wintec students, and coffee from local roasters the Manuka Brothers.
Spark 2015 will open with a blessing at 9am on Monday at the Gallagher Hub on Wintec’s city campus, followed by the first presentation by photographer Yvonne Todd.
The festival is free and open to all. Attendees are invited to use Wintec’s free wifi service to connect with each other and the festival through social media.
To view the full programme click here.
