SPARK Disability Art Festival 2015

NOVEMBER 30 - December 4, 2015

For the 2015 Festival SPARK was excited to receive visual art submissions from around the world, including a unique new partnership with disabled artists from the i-dART Institute in Hong Kong. Of the 223 submissions received, In-Definite Arts and Studio C curated a series of five visual art exhibits across Calgary intended to ignite the mind & spark the imagination. The Festival featured over 130 pieces of art in all media from international artists pan-disability: 

Confusement at Loft 112

• An installation by Scott Berry and the Nina Haggerty collective exploring "the feeling of being looked at but no one can see who you really are".

Dramaticalism at Studio C

• A group exhibition exploring Art & Disability in all media and from a variety of perspectives.

Imaginational at IDAS Optimist Gallery

• A group exhibition exploring Art & Disability in all media and from a variety of perspectives.

Knowledgment at Alberta College of Art and Design (Main Hall)

• A group exhibition exploring Art & Disability in all media and from a variety of perspectives.

Terrifical at Arts Commons (+15)

• A group exhibition exploring Art & Disability organized around the theme of sculpture.

To help present the 2015 Festival, SPARK was also pleased to partner with the City of Calgary's International Day of Persons with Disabilities. On December 3rd, a selection of artworks from the IDAS venue were temporarily relocated to the Arts Commons's Jack Singer Lobby for the duration of the IDPD Celebration.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

In connection with SPARK's Closing Reception on December 3, Studio C hosted a panel discussion where audience members could engage directly with the diverse artists who exhibited in SPARK. The panel included five emerging visual artists who approached art and disability from unique perspectives, including: an artist who is blind, a mental health author, and a learning disability curator. Through candid, moderated conversation artists and audiences together explored the challenges and successes of creating Disability Art in Calgary. Special thanks are extended to artists: Alyssa Hatton, Andrew Harding, Jana Brodkin, Morgan Paul and Rachel M. Thomas for leading this discussion.

The Festival was curated by Colin Menzies, Daniel Cristini and Roxanne Taylor, with special thanks to the Jury Committee: Dani Mortson, Erin O'Toole, Jean Snowden and Morgan Paul.