Giant light-based art installations take over CBD for SPARK Ipswich
27 June 2022
When the sun sets over 11 nights in Ipswich, the city centre will come alive with towering and spectacular light-based art installations for SPARK Ipswich - 7 to 17 July 2022.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the festival’s SPARK AFTER DARK events will transform two of the city’s iconic buildings into multi-storey artworks showcasing Ipswich’s culture and creative flair.
“The face and towering spires of St Mary’s Church will be reimagined to become the heritage-listed sandstone canvas for ‘deLight’ projections, profiling unique works by local and Indigenous artists,” Mayor Harding said.
“Council’s administration building in Tulmur Place will be transformed into an immersive algorithmic artwork ‘pixel’ exploring the connection between humans and machines, created by the Design and Interactive Technologies team from the University of Southern Queensland.
“A new hub at Timothy Molony Park will combine the best views of deLight and pixel with an outdoor stage that will shine a light on local artists and feature delicious food truck offerings to stave off the cold.”
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said SPARK AFTER DARK will be an alluring, unique visual showcase, and a creative celebration of Ipswich.
“SPARK Ipswich celebrates the diverse communities that make our city special, and will share our unique stories through incredible art, music and plenty of fun,” Cr Fechner said.
“The free SPARK AFTER DARK outdoor art installations, along with special exhibitions at the Ipswich Art Gallery, will showcase our city’s incredible artistic and innovative talent.”
“They also beautifully, and cheekily with some of the designs, share Ipswich’s history and culture with visitors and new residents.”
Featuring her internationally acclaimed art for a second consecutive year in deLight, Ipswich artist Kylie Hill said it is overwhelming but also exciting seeing her work on such a large scale.
“The way they transform my art and designs into the projections is just so amazing!” Ms Hill said.
“Showcasing our Aboriginal art during NAIDOC Week is a celebration for our community, and I am very humbled and proud to be a part of deLight and SPARK Ipswich.
“I really wanted to embrace my culture, heritage and share my art with the community, so this year my design will have finer details and share a storyline about an inspiring person in our community.
“Paying tribute to this local legend through my artwork is such an honour, but I do not want to give it away so you will have to come on the night to see for yourself.”
SPARK Ipswich 2022 will deliver 15 events over 11 days. The full program and ticketing information are available at SparkIpswich.com.au
SPARK IPSWICH VISUAL ART PROGRAM SNAPSHOT:
SPARK AFTER DARK, 7 to 17 July
When the sun goes down, SPARK AFTER DARK comes to life showcasing projections, light activations, music and performance. Gather your family and friends and explore deLight and pixel on foot or view the light spectacle from luminate – the new festival hub in Timothy Molony Park.
deLightSt Mary’s Church, Woodend
Over 11 nights St Mary’s Church is the stunning backdrop and is transformed into a projection art piece, profiling local artists heritage architecture and culture of Ipswich its people and places.
Participating local artists include Kylie Hill, Jacob Sarra, Jarryd Lawton, Jennifer Kent, Rebecca Lewis, Lee FullARTon, Colin Mac, Kenneth Gavin Lewis, Glen Smith and Jessica Andersen.
pixel
Tulmur Place, 1 Nicholas Street, Ipswich
The Design and Interactive Technologies team from the University of Southern Queensland explore the human-machine connection in an immersive light experience on the Ipswich City Council, 1 Nicholas Street building.
25 Years Ipswich Art Gallery Foundation: 24 May To 24 July
Ipswich Art GalleryAn exhibition of an eclectic range of artworks – from heritage to contemporary – acquired by the Foundation over its 25-year history.
Spirit Of Place – Here, There and Everywhere: 25 July to 21 August
Ipswich Art Gallery
An exhibition of new work by much loved local indigenous artist, Sally Harrison.
SPARK Ipswich is delivered through the support of the following partners:
Foundation Partner: Ipswich City Council; Major Partners: Ripley Town Centre, Orion Springfield Central, Stockland Providence and The Queensland Government; Support Partners: Brick Lane Brewing, Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC), and Quest Springfield Central; Media Partners: Bishopp, Scenestr, 4ZZZ and QMusic; Programming Partners: Ipswich Libraries, first5forever, Ipswich Art Gallery, Studio 188, Ipswich Civic Centre, Ipswich Waste Services, Ipswich Catholic Community, Ipswich City Orchestras, Circa 160, Goleby’s Basement and Hotel Metropole.