Event to Spark more interest in South Warwickshire's creative sector

Spark 2021 will include more than 20 sessions, 57 speakers and 50 artists exhibiting in an online gallery.

The event will also be hosting 38 creative organisations showcasing their work in the virtual market place.

Sessions will cover how the creative sector is responding to the pandemic and Brexit, diversity in the district, freelancer support, retention of young talent, updates on Coventry UK City of Culture 2021 and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Cultural programme.

David Guilding, Arts Manager at Warwick District Council said:

“We are excited to host this unique event again following the success of Spark 2020.

"The programme, which has been developed in consultation with our creative community, promises to be hugely valuable to the area’s creative sector, particularly those hardest hit by the pandemic.

"The event aims to connect and reconnect delegates and celebrate and showcase just some of the incredible people, organisations, project and initiatives from across the area.”

Cllr Andrew Day, Leader of Warwick District Council added: “This is a great opportunity for everyone with a passion for our amazing South Warwickshire creative community.

"If you've an interest in the arts, digital, design and performance then there's something to excite you in Spark Ignite.

"Signing on for this pace-making event provides an invaluable opportunity to renew connections, rebuild business opportunities and ignite a bright year ahead."

Speakers taking part in the event are from a range of companies in the district and the surrounding area, such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum and many more.

The flexibility of this year’s event will enable delegates to dip in and out of sessions between work, home – schooling and exercise.

Those taking part will get the chance to find out about new projects and initiatives happening in the area and share information about their work and plans for the future.

Member of Parliament for Warwick and Leamington Matt Western will be speaking at 3pm on Friday 26 February providing the summing up and closing remarks.

Last year, more than 380 delegates from the district’s arts, entertainment, digital and cultural community came together for a day of fact finding, discussion and performance at the Royal Spa Centre.

For more information and to register visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk/spark2021