CURRENT FESTIVAL

Introducing a new Solo Artist Series this summer!

SPARK Disability Art Festival is currently accepting applications from emerging artists who self-identity as disabled to take part in an upcoming Solo Artist Series.

 

This series is part of a larger, multi-artist collaboration with the RBC Emerging Visual Artists program at Arts Commons. The exhibition pays Artists Fees and will run from June through August 2020. Artists accepted into the program will also receive free (mandatory) professional development training September 2020 through August 2021. Applications (in the form of an Expression of Interest) will be accepted by SPARK between March 23 and April 10, 2020.

 

Click below for details on eligibility and how to apply, or check the NEWS section for more festival updates.

​

If you are interested in partnering with SPARK, planning an event/exhibition or funding a project, please contact the SPARK Disability Art Festival by email: .

FESTIVAL ARCHIVE

The SPARK Disability Art Festival is Calgary's largest and longest running arts festival for visual artists with disabilities.

SPARK Festival 2010

November 29 - December 3, 2010

For SPARK's inaugural year, Studio C and In-Definite Arts were excited to present a wide selection of artwork representing a diverse array of subject matter and media in four juried venues:

​

• "The Nature of Things", In-Definite Arts Gallery

• "The Mind's Eye", Studio C Gallery

• "Colour Sense", Art Central Atrium

• "Celebrating a Lived Experience of Disability", Eau Claire Market

​

This Festival was curated by Daniel Cristini, Colin Menzies and Roxanne Taylor, with special thanks to the Jury Committee: Doug Driediger, Jamie Gray and June Hills.

SPARK Festival 2011

November 28 - December 3, 2011

For SPARK's second year of presentations, Studio C and In-Definite Arts teamed up to curate over 40 artworks that celebrate art and disability from multiple perspectives. The shows were titled:

​​

• "Curio",Studio C Gallery

• "Exotica", In-Definite Arts Gallery

​​

The Festival was curated by Daniel Cristini, Colin Menzies and Roxanne Taylor, with special thanks to the Jury Committee: David Janzen, Linda Hawke and Ann Haessel. 

SPARK Festival 2012

December 3 - 7, 2012

In SPARK's third festival year, In-Definite Arts and Studio C showcased works from 42 of Calgary's best emerging artists with disabilities, in two juried venues: 

​

• "Supercalifragilistic", Studio C Gallery

• "Expialidocious", In-Definite Arts Gallery

​​

The Festival was curated by Daniel Cristini, Colin Menzies and Roxanne Taylor, with special thanks to the Jury Committee: Christeen Nahas, Kaili Cashin, Lissy Sexsmith and Martin Aguilar. 

SPARK Festival 2016

November 28 - December 2, 2017

Continuing the momentum from the previous year, SPARK 2016 was as dynamic as ever... with five juried exhibitions across Calgary, two satellite shows at the University of Calgary and a jam-packed closing reception with three guest speakers. Read on for more details about the SPARK happenings that took place place November 28 - December 2.

SPARK Festival 2017

November 27th to December 8th 2017

SPARK's eighth year of presentations was another breakout year for the Festival, including five juried exhibitions showcasing international talent to an estimated viewership of over 60 000. The Festival also included satellite shows and public programs presented by the Alberta College of Art + Design Students' Association, artist Dick Averns, the Nickle Galleries and University of Calgary. Read on for more details about the SPARK happenings that took place November 27 - December 8.

SPARK Festival 2018

December 3 - 8, 2018

For SPARK's ninth year, Studio C was proud to organize a week-long takeover of cSPACE King Edward—Calgary’s newest arts hub. The festival included juried exhibitions (showcasing international talent) spread over multiple floors/galleries, as well as a panel discussion with Calgary artists and Disability Art programmers about the "Pros and Cons of Disability-specific Festivals". Read on for more details about the SPARK happenings that took place place December 3.- 8.

Shawn Belanger,

An Artist's Journey

Mary Salvani

Nature is Our Teacher

Tony Goodison

Experience Inclusion

Paula Timm

heART Where You Are

Scott Berry

Confusement

Elaine Lee

Beyond My Wheels:
What Do You See