Bright sparks and brilliant creatives to converge in Hamilton this August
Wintec's city campus in Hamilton will once again come alive with creativity this August as the 18th annual Spark Festival opens, bringing a collection of brilliant minds in the music, media, arts and design industries to its students and the general public.
Now in its eighteenth year, Spark #16 unites creative minds from New Zealand and around the globe, with a focus on sharing cutting edge trends from industry leaders.
Organised by Wintec's School of Media Arts, Spark Festival provides opportunities for attendees to hear from – and meet – the specialists, the innovators and leaders at the forefront of their respective industries. It is a dynamic week of learning and networking.
According to Spark Festival Director, Megan Lyon, "Specialists sharing their industry insights, experiences and tips to inspire others is at the core of what Spark Festival is all about. The four-day event is an opportunity for attendees to gain the knowledge, contacts and confidence to continue or begin their own creative endeavours."
Headlining this year's festival is Scott Paterson, Design lead for IDEO (USA) who is renowned in the industry for his understanding of the confluence of technology and people.
Paterson's work focuses on the intersection of technology and space, whether designing mobile applications, embedded interfaces or physical environments. His passion for understanding how human experience can be supported, mediated and inspired by great interaction design is at the forefront of the industry.
Since joining IDEO, Paterson has developed a range of media solutions from community building within senior living residences to improving the body care experience. His keynote speech will explore the changing scope of design.
Another international highlight is Kirsty Jennings, Business Director of UK's Blast Theory, an organisation known worldwide as one of the most adventurous artists' groups, whose work mixes interactive media, digital broadcasting and live performance.
Christopher Doyle (Sydney), an internationally recognised designer with over 15 years' experience, who has worked at some of Australia's leading brand and design agencies, is also included in the line-up. His company works with a diverse range of companies, brands and partners across multiple platforms, specialising in brand identity, creative direction and digital design.
Spark #16 will also feature many home-grown talents, including Lisa Walker, regarded as one of our most influential contemporary jewellers; writer, designer and artist Lana Lopesi, who is the editor of Hashtag500words; Shabnam Shiwan, one of New Zealand's most celebrated designers; and Emily Miller-Sharma, RUBY General Manager and Liam Designer.
The festival will also play host to Duncan Grieve, editor of the hugely popular New Zealand website The Spinoff which delivers commentary and journalism across pop culture, sports and politics.
Spark Festival runs a programme of small-group workshops alongside the main presentations, in which attendees get the opportunity to work closely with the practitioners, and receive direct feedback about their personal projects and ideas – all with no cost to the attendee.
This year's workshops include a hand lettering session by calligrapher and illustrator Kate Hursthouse, a practical workshop by Shabnam Shiwan and a photographic exploration at the Waikato Museum by Neil Pardington.
Wintec's support of the Festival for nearly two decades has ensured Hamilton registers on the national arts calendar, while giving something back to Hamilton's students and creative industries.
Spark also provides a chance for creative minds to sow the seeds of inspiration in a city with a lively yet underestimated creative scene.
"Those who attend the festival are given insights into the creative journey of successful artists, musicians, journalists, broadcasters, designers, film-makers and those that cross between several disciplines.
"At Wintec, we always strive for a programme that reflects what is taught through our media arts degree and many of this year's speakers are truly multi-disciplinary which adds an exciting dynamic," says Lyon.
The free programme runs 8-11 August with the presentations and panels happening at the Gallagher Hub and workshops at Wintec's city campus. Exhibitions, industry events and an after party take place at sites across the city.
REGISTRATIONS
Entry is free, however registrations are necessary to ensure your place.
Register at www.spark.net.nz
The full programme is here and printed versions will be available around the Wintec campus in early July or you can sign up to receive one from www.spark.net.nz.
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