Just when South East Queensland begins losing her warmth to the clutches of mid-winter, SPARK Ipswich returns to bring it right back.
Set to run 6-16 July, Ipswich's premier arts and culture event will provide a massive range of activities and shows to cater to all audiences."This year's programme is a mix of returning favourites, as well as fresh events such as the all new BRIGHTDAZE music festival, headlined by chart-topping Australian hip hop artist Allday and indie folk singer Hope D," Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding says.
"SPARK is now one of council's signature festivals, and has grown in recent years to be a highlight on the calendar."
IGNITE will open the festival (6 July) with a ceremony honouring the stories, culture and art of First Nations people.
SPARK on Tour will showcase an interactive children's theatre experience for two- to seven-year-olds (6-9 July), while SPARK After Dark will feature music performances, projection, live performance, comedy and dance across a range of locations throughout the festival's timeline. Running alongside will be Industry Development, a chance for local artists to shine.
Continuing the family friendly vibe, IMMERSE will feature a captivating playground of arts workshops and performances, while the inaugural all-ages music festival BRIGHTDAZE will take place at the Springfield Central YMCA (8 July).
It will feature hip hop artist Allday, folktronic GLVES, and Ipswich's own Paulina, the 2022 Queensland Music Awards Youth Award winner.
"There is a tonne of live music happening here in Ipswich, the scene has been building up for the past three years, there's a lot more focus on the arts now, so it's awesome and I'm honoured to be a part of SPARK," Paulina says.
WOMI (9 July) will bring world music, workshops, food and crafts from across the globe for an unforgettable day. LITTLE DAY OUT (16 July) is SPARK Ipswich's signature children's contemporary music and arts festival, while that same day will see the COMMON PEOPLE Dance Eisteddfod showcase epic dance battles.
The Significant Others exhibition will display pieces from the National Gallery's Kenneth Tyler Collection of prints by Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns produced between 1968-1973 at the Ipswich Art Gallery (3 June till 30 July), while other exhibitions during the festival include 50 Years of NAIDOC Week Posters, Architectural Layers: New Work by Grant Quinn, Make Some Noise, and local artist Eva Fritz’s Little Things Big Things: Interactive Installation for Children, providing plenty for the art connoisseur.
"Ipswich is a city steeped in magnificent heritage, but at the same time, our city's fast-paced growth is helping evolve our social fabric through diversity and connection," Economic and Industry Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Nicole Jonic expounds.
"In turn, our character is strengthened from all our people sharing our unique stories through beautiful art, riveting music and plenty of fun. Our opening event, IGNITE, honours the stories, culture and art of our First Nations people, while WOMI brings together music, workshops, foods and crafts from all around the world."
Ipswich artist Jennifer Kent typifies the culture and unity the festival brings, and her work features on the programme cover, street banners and on the facade of 1 Nicholas Street throughout the festival.
"This is such a big event for the city with everyone coming together to enjoy all the different performances, workshops and visual art," Jennifer says.
"It's a great chance for Ipswich residents to connect with the local art scene, and it is also a valuable opportunity for local artists to show what we can do, particularly as it's held during NAIDOC Week with its highlighting of First Nations art and culture."
The festival is not to be missed, and with many of the events being provided free of charge, there is all the more reason to enjoy a day or night celebrating art and culture in beautiful Ipswich.
SPARK Ipswich takes place at various locations in Ipswich and runs 6-16 July.
