What are Art Sparks?

Following a successful pilot series last year, the Art Sparks initiative by BAA and Tinderbox (Amy Tsilemanis) received ongoing operational funding from the City of Ballarat Arts and Culture Unit to continue this year. This great support, combined with the hard work of Ballarat Arts Alive volunteers, allows events that showcase varying artists, practices, and spaces and build on a desire for greater connectivity in the local arts community. The events are carefully curated but casual, providing an opportunity for information and skills exchange. They aim to spark ideas, excitement, collaboration, and development, and help to promote excellence and exploration in arts practice in the region.

We have all been busy busy so recent Art Sparks have been somewhat sporadic but Kiri Smart put on a great event at the Art Gallery last August and Merle Hathaway and Barry Wemyss held Art Sparks on the Green in Smythesdale in November, all with the fabulous assistance of the BAA events crew.

WHEN IS THE NEXT ONE?

We are easing ourselves into the new year (flying by already!) by bringing you some Art Sparks action as part of the great Ballarat Backyard Taster series presented by City of Ballarat. This will happen on Friday March 1^st in Alfred Deakin Place and involve a Poetry Intermezzo organised by local artist and poet Barry Breen. He will read work alongside excellent local writers E. A. Gleeson and Ross Gillett, as an accompaniment to the great program of live music scheduled by City of Ballarat Arts & Culture Dept and Pilkinton Productions for this evening of Backyard Taster goodness! It is a great chance to come and mingle with other creative people, enjoy local talent, and learn a bit more about Ballarat Arts Alive and the cultural life of our city.

Listen to an interview with Deborah and Shiree on Tinderbox Radio about the Ballarat Backyard Tasters

Paige Duggan performing at the first Backyard Taster event — Paige Duggan performing at the first Ballarat Backyard Taster event

So when is it again? Friday March 1^st as part of Ballarat Backyard Tasters event in Alfred Deakin Place, 5-8pm

Going from there, we have Art Sparks events in the pipeline for May (celebrating Ballarat entertainment as part of the Heritage Weekend program) and a group exhibition and extravaganza to compliment our AGM mid year, so stay tuned!

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

We always have our eyes out for interesting venues and themes so feel free to offer any ideas and if you are interested in being featured as an artist or supporting (business sponsors, patrons etc) please get in touch at: info@baa.mx

See you on Friday!