SPARC Communities Call-Out!!

Image Description: Colourful sparks in diamond-like shapes. These sparks are part of the SPARC logo.

Prior to the pandemic we launched “SPARC Communities” - a chance for rural and remote artists, creators, presenters and community animators to continue the work of SPARC, but on a deeper level, in their community. We had two successful pilot projects and are looking to expand our reach and support more arts communities across the province.

We are looking for organizations that would like to work collaboratively with SPARC to further this work and make their rural or remote community a “SPARC Community”. 

Who is part of the collaborative? 

• SPARC 

• At least one incorporated organization from the proposed SPARC Community that will be responsible for managing funds 

• Additional organizations or collectives (incorporated or not) from the proposed SPARC community that:

  • are involved in the performing, collaborative and/or interdisciplinary arts; (or in position to be supportive of these arts)

  • have the capacity to work on this project 

How will the pilot projects be funded?

Each collaborative will apply for a Resilient Communities Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation at the October 25th, 2023 deadline in their Trillium Catchment area. The incorporated organization from the proposed SPARC Community will be the lead organization for the application must be eligible to apply for funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (be incorporated, have up to date financial statements that meet Trillium standards). This organization will be responsible for management of funds granted. 

The project details and budget will be determined by members of the collaborative and will include funds to support a project coordinator (hours and wages TBD) in the SPARC Community and contribute to Réseau SPARC Network resources to support the initiative.

SPARC will assist the local organization with the writing of the grant proposal, mentoring and ongoing project support if the grant is successful.

What is required of “SPARC Communities”? 

• From the organizations involved, a steering committee will be struck, with a chair, secretary, treasurer, and one person who will join the SPARC’s Board of Directors; attending board meetings and reporting on the progress of the project

• SPARC Communities will be responsible for outreach within their OTF catchment area. This will include at least two visits to other communities, attending relevant events in the area, as well as communicating SPARC news via local newsletters/ social media pages etc.

• SPARC Communities will build their own project with the goal of connecting those involved in the performing, interdisciplinary and collaborative arts in their area and creating opportunities to build capacity through future collaborations. This project might be a mini-symposium, the creation of a new community- engaged arts project, or a community planning session, and will be outlined in the Resilient Communities Grant application. SPARC board and staff will be available to support the development of the project concept upon request

How will SPARC Communities benefit from this opportunity? 

• SPARC staff and board will provide mentorship and support throughout the outreach initiatives, as well as outreach and administrative support for the community’s project 

• Bursaries will be provided to help members of the project’s steering committee attend the 2024 SPARC Symposium

• SPARC Communities will be considered as locations for future SPARC Regional Gathering & Cabarets; set to occur in the years between SPARC symposia (the first Regional Gathering & Cabaret was held in Almonte in February in 2023)

Please Note: SPARC acknowledges that no two rural / remote communities are alike. Part of this project is to establish, with our collaborative members, a flexible framework for SPARC Communities that both furthers SPARC’s mandate, and supports each specific community, their growth and sustainability. 

How to apply?

Letters of interest should be emailed to Rachel Marks(rachel@sparcperformingarts.com), SPARC Executive Director, with “SPARC Communities” in the email subject line by Friday July 21, 2023.

Letters should include information about your community, the performing arts ecosystem in your community, your proposed project idea and a list of potential partners. The letter should also clearly identify the “lead”partner (the incorporated organization). 

Projects will be assessed by the SPARC Communities committee and we will begin to move forward with zoom meetings and grant writing sessions mid-August in order to be ready for the October deadline.

We are looking forward to expanding SPARC’s reach by supporting a strong, vibrant and successful arts and culture scene in your community!

If you would like to watch the Expert Chat on the Minto Arts Council’s SPARC Community project you can do so here: https://youtu.be/jm8UBdQz4Qo

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Rachel - rachel@sparcperformingarts.com