They Came, They Saw, They Sparked

Media release

August 25 2008

They Came, They Saw, They Sparked

Wintec’s Spark, festival of Media, Art and Design, is over for another year, but leaves a buzz of inspiration in its wake as record audiences reflect on the successful week.

Spark manager Susanna Wilford said record numbers attended Wintec’s Spark 08 festival. She said 35% more people attended Spark than in 2007, with nearly 2500 attendances at presentations, events and workshops. She said the new Wintec Hub proved a great success, and it was booked for Spark ‘09.

Spark’s tenth anniversary year included a dynamic and varied festival programme including the surprise visit from international artist Rirkrit Tiravianja and inspiring presentations such as that from design studio Inkahoots; the inaugural Hamilton Pecha Kucha night, and the screening of the International Palestinian Film Festival.

Wilford said Wintec Media Arts students made the most of the week, attending as many presentations and workshops as possible. “Great experience - I’m exhausted from taking in all the info, but I loved every minute and it far exceeded my expectations,” said one first year Media Arts student. Others commented on the “interesting and inspiring” speakers, the opportunity to meet people in the creative industries, and that Spark offered different viewpoints on their potential careers. The presentation by comic illustrators Robyn Kenealy and Coco Solid was particularly popular with students, as was the packed session from graphic designer Jason Grant of Brisbane’s Inkahoots.

Wintec Media Arts Head of School Margi Moore said Spark 08 presented a fitting celebration for the tenth year of a very special event. “It has certainly increased Spark’s profile in the community and nationally and it was wonderful to see so many people from outside Wintec enjoying the speakers, events and workshops." After receiving numerous comments on the “wonderfully stimulating” week and requests for next year’s dates, she has already advised people pencil in the 3rd to the 7th of August 2009 now.
Moore also acknowledged the support from volunteers including ‘supremo Boy Friday’ Lance Harris and design intern Tasch Garland.

Wintec Spark updates will be announced on www.spark.net.nz through the year.

Applications for Hamilton’s 2nd Pecha Kucha night, to be held in November, are open now – see www.pechakucha.co.nz

To receive all Wintec Spark news and updates, send your email to spark[at]wintec.ac.nz and join the mailing list.

ENDS

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