Semi Permanent 2015 Unveils Spark Lab Programme

Semi Permanent 2015 Unveils New Speaker Gavin Becker and Spark Lab Programme

In just over four weeks’ time, Auckland City will be transformed into a creative think-tank when the sharpest minds in creative industries come together for the annual Semi Permanent festival. The weekend of 3-4 July will see ideas come alive with creative conversation and connections.

Today, Semi Permanent are pleased to announce the addition of Gavin Becker to the already packed lineup. With almost two decades working in digital and a deep understanding of emerging technologies, next generation products and experience design under his belt, Gavin currently leads digital and innovation for Colenso BBDO in Auckland. Prior to this he was brand strategy lead at Twitter (working with American Express, Samsung, Mercedes-Benz, HBO and more). He’s also worked at legendary brand consultancy Wolff Olins and opened the New York office of renowned agency, AKQA, where he was instrumental in creating award-winning work for Coca-Cola, Nike, Xbox, McDonald’s and Smirnoff. Gavin is equal parts business strategist, creative technologist and design thinker.

In addition to a diverse and inspiring line-up of speakers over the weekend programme, Semi Permanent is teaming up with Spark with the formation of Spark Lab, a month-long series of inspiring workshops from world leading creatives. It all kicks off on 1 July, when Disney Pixar’s Andrew Gordon will lead an all-day animation and storytelling workshop; a chance to learn from the best in the business. 2 July sees Pentagram Partner Michael Beruit take a ‘How To’ workshop, in which participants create instructive art. Playful Japanese sound artist Yuri Suzuki leads a hands-on workshop on 3 July, where participants make musical instruments from his own Ototo design kit sets. Creative thinker Jessica Walsh (Sagmeister & Walsh) takes the floor on 6 July, with ‘Play By Your Own Rules’, a seminar discussing ways of creating helpful constraints to guide you towards conceptual solutions. 7 July sees a half-day workshop with ghost-hunting artist Evan Roth and the visual possibilities these technologies permit, with an overview of current popular ghost hunting technologies and the opportunity to assemble and experiment with these devices. A special two-day workshop over July 8 and 9 is presented by Think & Shift: ‘The Phone Box Project’. Workshop attendees will repurpose a Spark phone box within the Britomart precinct however they see fit, designing and building for a group exhibition - a challenge ideal for students and young designers. Hand-lettering guru Gemma O’Brien brings her lettering skills to a literally hands-on, all-day workshop on 11 July, with insight into the hand-drawn processes she uses to create unique lettering pieces. Renowned photographer Derek Henderson is here for a seminar on 16 July, outlining current projects with an opportunity for budding photographers to bring their portfolios for review. 20 July sees Mat Bogust bring his skills in cardboard engineering to the Spark Lab for the day-long presentation and creative workshop Cupboard 2.0, with hands-on mentoring. 23 July sees a two-part workshop from illustrator/art director Kelly Thompson, with practical illustration tips and tools for Photoshop beginners to intermediate users who are interested in seeing how a professional artist approaches masking and colouring.

It doesn’t end there - Spark Lab have more workshops and presentations to be announced in the coming weeks, with a raft of talent from New Zealand and abroad gearing up to share their skills.

Semi Permanent is a hotbed of inspiration and experimentation for creatives of all disciplines.

See the full programme, details on Spark Lab and information on speakers at semipermanent.com.

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