Wintec Spark ignites arts inspiration

Often controversial, usually thought-provoking, Spark, a five-day celebration of the creative industries, takes place in Hamilton in early August.

Internationally recognized artists, film makers, musicians, authors, photographers and designers will share their skills and sources of inspiration at talks, workshops, screenings and exhibitions.

"Spark will once again be the catalyst for new ideas for students and lecturers from Wintec and University of Waikato, as well as the general public," says Spark organizer Susanna Wilford. "The festival is a useful way to demystify the creative arts and how they operate in the world of work."

For the first time in the festival's nine year history, the presentations will be free to the public, thanks to a significant contribution from Wintec.

The School of  Media Arts at Wintec is the driving force behind Spark, which originally evolved out of the visiting lecturer project.

Developed in collaboration with the University of Waikato, and produced by the Centre for Creative Industries based at Wintec, this year's Spark features creative talent from a range of disciplines and different countries.

American presenters include Jan Wilker (designer), Joe Lambert (digital story telling activist) and Daphne Carr (music journalist).

Also from overseas come Australian filmmakers Beck Cole and Warrick Thornton, Brazilian installation artist Lucia Koch, and Elisabeth Smolarz, a Polish artist living in New York.

Douglas Lloyd Jenkins, one of the most influential designers in the Southern Hemisphere, art dealer Anna Miles who will talk about the work of photographers Edith Amituanai, Allan McDonald and Darren Glass, film maker Nova Paul, Ecostore founder Malcolm Rands, television presenter Peter Williams and singer-song writer Luke Thompson are New Zealand presenters who will be seen at Spark.

"Anyone who likes to hear the way creative leaders are thinking and track new trends in the arts sector would enjoy Spark. It deserves a wide audience," says Hilary Falconer of Arts Waikato.

Call Spark Line : 07 858 7508 for further details. Cost: Free. Seats are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Large groups can reserve seats.

Daily presentations start at 9am and 11am, at Moving Image Studio, R block, Collingwood Street.

Events and talks and screenings punctuate the week: Peter Williams, TVNZ presenter, at Waikato Museum at 2pm on Monday 6 August; screening of The Bolivarian Dream (Latin American film festival) Tuesday 7 August at Moving Image Studio; Screening of One.dot.zero (visual moving imagery) Rialto Cinema, Wednesday 8 August at 6.30pm; and live gig at Ward Lane Function Centre with The Weather and The Gills Thursday 9 August at 8pm.

http://www.spark.net.nz

Free Admission To Spark 07

This year, Wintec is throwing open it's doors to Spark 07. Tertiary students, academics, high school groups with teachers, and members of the public are all welcome to come to Spark 07 free of charge. Organised by Wintec's Centre for Creative Industries with support from the Schools of Media Arts & Communication, the festival runs for 5 days from August 6-10. This year's presenters include Jan Wilker (graphic designer, New York), Lucia Koch (installation artist, Brazil), Joe Lambert (digital storytelling activist, Berkley CA), and many more.

WHERE:
Wintec, Collingwood St, Hamilton, New Zealand, & other CBD venues

WHEN:
August 6-10 2007

WHO:
Jan Wilker | Graphic Designer |
Beck Cole & Warwick Thornton | Filmmakers |
Peter Williams | TV Presenter |
Nova Paul | Filmmaker |
Anna Miles | Art Dealer |
Elisabeth Smolarz | Artist |
Lucia Koch | Artist |
Joe Lambert | Digital Storytelling Activist |
Daphne Carr | Music Journalist |
Malcolm Rands | Ecostore Founder and CEO |
Douglas Lloyd Jenkins | Design Writer |
Luke Thompson | Singer Songwriter |

PLUS:
UK Digital Film Festival | one.dot.zero |
Latin American Film Festival | The Bolivarian Dream |
Ramp Gallery - Exhibition Opening | Seraphine Pick |
Victoria Cinema | Beck Cole & Warwick Thornton Film Showcase |
Ward Lane - Live Music Gig | The Weather & The Gills |
Waikato Museum | Existence Exhibition Curators Floor Talk |
Waikato Museum | Trust Waikato National Contemporary Art Award |

ends

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